Local History

I have lived in Berkhamsted for over 40 years and became interested in local history as an adjunct to my family history research and as an antidote to my career in information technology. I manage the BLH&MS website and a popular page on Facebook charting the history of our  town through newspaper reports and photographs; you can also browse past posts. Enter Beorcham’s World and experience our town’s history through the eyes of our esteemed local historian Percy Birtchnell. A word of warning… it is possible to spend many happy hours meandering through Beorcham’s world! You can also explore The Chronicle.

Click on the pictures below; many of them link to articles of mine that have appeared in the Chronicle with abundant information on the history of our Hertfordshire home.

Berkhamsted map 1896
Canal tales
Berkhamsted map 1766
Desirable residences
Berkhamsted map 1899
Landmarks
Christmases Past
Rural Sports
The Bloody Code
Berkhamsted Castle
Berkhamsted Castle
St Peter’s Church
Marlin Chapel Farm
Marlin Chapel
Gravedigging Ghosts
Church Rates Controversy
The weather
Ashridge House
Elite Wealth
Gaddesden Hoo
Hoo-ha at Gaddesden Hoo
Election 1906
Politics
Red Lion Yard by Bill Baily
Poverty in Red Lion Yard
Berkhamsted Union Workhouse
Workhouse
Berkhamsted Bridewell
Crime
Parish chest
Constables’ Accompts
Straw plaiters
Women
Ship Amphitrite
Transportation
Advert for Holloway's Pills
Infectious diseases
Locke and Smith Brewery
Health Hazards
Tompkins Slaughter House
Food Standards
Lost Boys of Egerton House
Lost Boys of Egerton House
Wedding at the Market House
Marriage
Threshing at Well Farm
Farming
Pilkington Manor
Abolition of Slavery
Berkhamsted Hall
Romantic Elopement
Humphry Repton trading card
Repton’s Ashridge
Votes for Women
Workwear in 18-19c
Farewell Cooper House

Also, here is a Heritage leaflet 2009 and High Street survey 2011.