Hemel Hempstead factfile

How to get to Hemel Hempstead
Hemel Hempstead, part of the London commuter belt, is in the county of Hertfordshire. The main railway line coming from the Midlands stops at Apsley and Hemel Hempstead stations—just south of the town centre—before continuing its journey to London Euston. Hemel Hempstead is also easily linked to the M1, and the M25 lies just to the south, allowing easy travel for drivers to and from the capital.

How Hemel Hempstead got its name
Although established as a New Town after World War II, Hemel Hempstead's history goes back much further. It is first mentioned in the 8th century as "Haemele", which is most likely to be the name of the person who owned the area. Another theory is that "haemele" was the word for the meetings of two rivers, and indeed the Gade and Bulbourne still flow by Hemel Hempstead. In the Domesday Book the word appears with the additional word "amesede" derived from "hamesede", meaning homestead.

Shopping in Hemel Hempstead
There is excellent shopping in Hemel Hempstead. The town has two shopping centres—the Marlowes and the Riverside—that offer the best in high-street shopping. In the Old Town, the centre of Hemel Hempstead, you'll also find a wide selection of high-street stores and, for for those looking for something a little bit different, a number of antique and specialised shops too.

Famous landmarks in Hemel Hempstead
Perhaps the most famous landmark in Hemel Hempstead is the Magic Roundabout. Named after the famous children's TV show, although not populated by strange creatures and talking animals, it is rather complicated.

Consisting of one large roundabout, with other smaller roundabouts within, it has confused many a driver. When it first opened the roundabout caused chaos. Most famously, a baffled lorry driver thought he would take a shortcut and drove across the middle. Little did he know, a river runs through the centre, which caused the lorry to get stuck!

Sport and leisure in Hemel Hempstead
Hemel Hempstead Town Football Club dates all the way back to 1885. The club, nicknamed the Tudors, play in the Southern Football League Premier Division. Hemel Hempstead has also produced a number of talented sportsmen including footballers Chris Eagles (Manchester United) and Tommy Smith (Watford FC), golfer Luke Donald and Formula 1 driver Anthony Davidson.

Famous people from Hemel Hempstead
Hemel Hempstead has had a number of famous residents including Sir Francis Bacon, Sir Roger Moore and Vinnie Jones.