Hertfordshire is a county located in the east of England. It is bordered by several counties, including Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Greater London, Buckinghamshire, and Berkshire.
Hertfordshire | 0 to the 9th century AD
Roman Period | 1st – 5th centuries
Hertfordshire, situated within the larger Roman province of Britannia, experienced Roman occupation. The Romans established settlements, roads, and infrastructure in the region. Verulamium, modern-day St. Albans, was a significant Roman town, and the remains of Roman walls, streets, and buildings have been discovered.
Anglo-Saxon Settlement and Kingdoms | 5th – 9th centuries
With the decline and withdrawal of Roman authority from Britannia in the early fifth century, Hertfordshire, like much of England, entered a period of transition. The area became part of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms that emerged during this time.
Hertfordshire would have been within the territory of the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Mercia, one of the dominant kingdoms during the early medieval period. The Kingdom of Mercia played a significant role in the political and cultural landscape of England.
Christianization
The spread of Christianity in Hertfordshire is associated with the Anglo-Saxon period. Christian communities, monasteries, and churches were established, contributing to the Christianization of the region.
Viking Raids | 8th – 9th centuries
Like many areas in England, Hertfordshire experienced Viking raids during the eighth and ninth centuries. The Vikings targeted monasteries and settlements along rivers. The impact of Viking incursions and the response of local rulers contributed to the evolving political landscape of the time.
Offa’s Dyke
Offa’s Dyke, a linear earthwork constructed by King Offa of Mercia in the late eighth century, marked the western boundary of the Kingdom of Mercia. While the dyke itself did not pass through Hertfordshire, it reflected the political and territorial dynamics of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.