Living in the landscape

Berkhamsted’s connections with kings and queens through the ages stem largely from its royal castle, built by William of Normandy’s brother following the conquest of England. The castle passed through many royal hands between the 11^th and 16^th centuries including Henry II, Edward the Black Prince, Henry V, Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Nowadays this picturesque ruin and green space in the centre of Berkhamsted is the ideal location for a picnic. Why not spend some time in a space once occupied by feasting kings and queens?

The market town of Hitchin in Hertfordshire, at the northern tip of the Chilterns AONB, was frequented by King Henry VIII who enjoyed hunting in the surrounding countryside. In his youth was quite an athlete and it is said that he once tried to pole vault across the River Hiz. However, having become heavier than he realised, the pole snapped from underneath him and he fell into the river, much to the amusement of his servants. This event was, until recently, commemorated on the sign of the Buck’s Head pub in nearby Little Wymondley.

The Manor of Risborough was owned by royalty for over 600 years. Its most famous royal owner, whose name is now attached to the town, was Edward, the Black Prince. After his death, the Manor was handed down through royal generations until eventually in 1628 Charles I sold the Manor of Princes Risborough to the City of London in part repayment of his large debts.

Chenies Manor, near Amersham is a Tudor manor house, built around 1460. Henry VIII is said to have been entertained here. Queen Elizabeth I visited several times, and in July 1570, according to an entry in a wardrobe book, she lost some small gold fastenings called aglets from her dress. There is a huge oak tree in the grounds of the Manor, known as Queen Elizabeth’s Oak, under which it is thought she lost the jewellery. You can visit the house and its beautiful gardens which have been restored by the current owners.

The beautiful medieval village of Ewelme near Wallingford is known for its historic school (the oldest Church of England primary in the country), almshouses and restored watercress beds. Centuries ago the village contained a royal manor house which was visited by Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. The house is no more but the village is still well worth visiting – the church contains magnificent medieval monuments and the author Jerome K Jerome is buried in the churchyard.