Book launch

At David’s Bookshop, Eastcheap, Letchworth Garden City, on Thursday, 14 October at 7:30 pm. Tom Williamson, Professor of Landscape History at the University of East Anglia, will introduce his new book, The Origins of Hertfordshire, which examines the history of Hertfordshire from late prehistoric times to the thirteenth century. It looks at the origins of the county and the early evolution of its landscape and, in examining the subtle and complex relationship between early territorial organisation and natural topography, emphasises the surprising degree of territorial and administrative continuity from the Roman period through to the time of the Norman Conquest. Hertfordshire is often described as an ‘unremarkable’ county, lacking a clearly defined identity and, lying close to London, extensively suburbanised. In fact it has a long and complex history and a rich archaeological heritage; developments in the remote past continue to shape its character and appearance to the present day.

The event is free but it is necessary to reserve a place in advance by calling the bookshop on 01462 684631.

On Friday 15th June 2007, the booklet entitled ‘Ancient Baldock: the story of an Iron Age and Roman town’ was launched at the Baldock Community Centre. This booklet is authored by Keith Fitzpatrick-Matthews (NHDC Archaeology Officer) and Gil Burleigh (an independent archaeologist and the Field Officer of the NHAS). It is based upon the extensive series of excavations in the town since the 1960s, including those which Gil directed from 1978-1994 and in which Keith assisted as a senior member of the team.

Keith Fitzpatrick-Matthews and Gil Burleigh

Keith Fitzpatrick-Matthews and Gil Burleigh

It tells the story of Baldock from the 1st century BC up to the 6th century AD in a popular style. It is easy to read and understand for those who want a simple introduction to this fascinating subject.

Short speeches were given by Councillor Muir, Gil Burleigh, Keith Fitzpatrick-Matthews and Ros Allwood (NHDC Cultural Services Manager)

Copies of the booklet are available also by contacting Gil Burleigh.

The booklet is published jointly by the North Hertfordshire District Council and the North Hertfordshire Archaeological Society. It costs £4.95 (£4.00 to NHAS members) and can be obtained from the museums in Baldock, Letchworth and Hitchin, the post office in Whitehorse Street, David’s Bookshop in Letchworth GC and Eric Moore’s in Hitchin. It will also be on sale at the NHAS lectures.