Royston - Hertfordshire Has A History Spanning Two Millennia

Royston - Hertfordshire is an active civil parish town in the north area of Hertfordshire, England. It is just 43 miles from central London. With a population of around 16,000, light industrial operations provide employment for many residents. Royston enjoys a healthy economy.

Royston's history spans two millennia. In Roman times, the town was an important crossing point for Icknield Way and Ermine Street, two major roads. Icknield Way was a primitive route that followed the sloping chalk hills. Today, the lines and patterns of these roads are still visible.

When the Normans occupied the area, Lady Roysia established a wayside cross at the junction of Ermine Street and Icknield Way. Although the cross has perished, the stone base survived and is now on display near the junction. It became known as Roysia's Stone. This is how the name 'Royston' came about.

Royston is on the border which separates the counties of Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire. Towns in close proximity are Letchworth, Hertford, Baldock and Cambridge. Royston is a medieval town with a rich history which is highlighted in the local museum. Here, you can see all sorts of collections and ancient memorabilia.

The museum is also home to another intriguing project, The Royston Tapestry. This is still a work in progress. When it is finally finished, the tapestry will be an amazing 110 feet in length. The idea came from a previous curator, Jane Vincent, who wanted the town to show off its history in an eye-catching and imaginative way. The tapestry can be viewed by the public in the front section of the museum.

Another unique attraction is the Royston Cave. The only other cave similar to it is in Czechoslovakia. It has a bell-shaped, circular chamber that is covered with pagan carvings. The cave's origins are not known, but it is believed that the Knights Templar used it during the 13th Century. It was rediscovered accidentally in 1742 by a man digging a hole.

Wimpole Hall is another popular attraction. This splendid stately home is six miles from Royston. The mansion, which is situated in the center of the estate, was designed by Elsie Bambridge. She was the daughter of Rudyard Kipling, the noted British poet and author.

Visitors will find a good selection of entertainment facilities in Royston - Hertfordshire. There is a cinema, a number of excellent restaurants, pubs, music bars and clubs. Modern shopping facilities are available but you can still browse through many quaint shops that reflect the town's early history. Accommodation facilities include hotels, cottages, B and Bs, caravan parks and camp sites.