History of Hatfield

Hatfield is steeped in history. Documented as far back as 970 AD, there is much written about Hatfield’s geographical significance and historical contribution, none more so than the development of air travel and the Jet engine through De Havilland Aircraft Company.

Several links will take you to some interesting information provided by various historical Hatfield groups and interested parties that we are happy to acknowledge.

The history of Hatfield can be traced back over a thousand years to 970 AD when King Edgar granted 40 hides of land to the monks of Ely. A century later, the Domesday Book records ‘Hetfelle’ (derived from the Saxon Haethfeld, meaning heath-covered open land) as having a Parish Priest and 54 other inhabitants (18 villeins, 18 bordars, 12 cottagers and 6 serfs). 

– Hatfield Local History Society (http://hatfieldhistory.uk/history.html) 

Hatfield was and is a green and pleasant place. Its strategic position on the Great North Road from London partly explains the town’s rich and diverse history. Hatfield has particular significance for people interested in Tudor (especially Elizabethan), Victorian, road, rail, and aviation history.  

– Outline History of Hatfield by D H Markus (http://www.hatfield-herts.co.uk/history.html)