History society explore Hemel’s rich history
Hemel Hempstead History Society is asking people with an interest in Hemel’s history to join them in 2026 and help explore and promote Hemel’s rich and varied history.
“We had an excellent year in 2025 and our monthly talks and events were well attended. The marking out and tours of the Gadebridge Roman Villa as part of Heritage Open Days, was probably the highlight with over 300 local people taking part,” said Society Chairman, Mike Atkins.
“We have plans to do much more in 2026, but we’d like local people to join us,” said Mike.
Hemel Hempstead’s Roman past, the town during the English Civil Wars, Polish Second World War Codebreakers working in and around Hemel and the Medieval Piccotts End Wall Paintings all feature in the Society’s 2026 programme of talks announced this week.
Talks about The Geoffrey Jellicoe Water Gardens, Hemel’s Watercress Industry, our ancestors’ entertainment and pastimes, and the history of policing in Hertfordshire complete the programme.
“Our programme of talks highlights Hemel’s rich history and spans a period from when the Romans invaded and settled in Hemel to the present day,” said Mike Atkins.
Hemel's Polish WW2 Codebreakers and the town's Civil War connections
“Who knew WW2 Polish Codebreakers were based in and around the town, or of the role the town and Hertfordshire played in the English Civil Wars? And the story of the sixteenth century wall paintings is truly fascinating,” commented Mike.
In addition to a full programme of talks, the local History Society will organise another series of visits to buildings and historic locations in and around Hemel as part of the Heritage Open Days festival held each year in September, and they aim to extend their activities further still.
Get involved
For more information about the Hemel History Society and details of how to join, visit their Facebook page, facebook.com/groups/HemelHistory or contact the Society Secretary Alan Olive at: [email protected].
Membership is just £20 for the year.
The first meeting in 2026 will be on Wednesday, 25th February at 8pm at Carey Baptist Church Hall in Marlowes.
All welcome.