16-18 Castle Cottages, Hertford Grade II*
A group of 18th century cottages acquired by the Trust in 1969
This group of 18th century cottages was acquired by the Trust in 1969 from the then Hertford Borough Council and are currently privately rented.
The new road through Hertford to be named Gascoyne Way was to be constructed. In order to achieve this old buildings and alleyways along Hertingfordbury Road were demolished. Within hours of demolition the Trust stepped in ahead of the bulldozer. Following negotiations and conditions agreed with the Borough Council, they were saved and major repairs carried out to create five small cottages. Garages were constructed. The main elevation has fine ‘Gothic style’ doors and windows and each have two bedrooms. Number 8 has three bedrooms and 10 just one.
The cottages adjoin the grounds of Hertford Castle. The southern elevation has Water Lane public footpath running between them and Gascoyne Way. The buildings are thought to have been stables, outhouses and laundry for Hertford Castle but were largely unused and derelict. Numbers 2 and 4 still belong to the Gascoyne Cecil Estates of Hatfield and number 6 is East Herts Council property. Hertford’s Borough Council buildings were passed to the newly formed East Herts Council in 1974.
Hertford Castle remains in the possession of the Gascoyne Cecil Estates. Currently it is leased to Hertford Town Council for offices and other events. The HBPT sub-leases office space within.
The site of Hertford Castle dates back to Norman times when William the Conqueror constructed defensive castles around London. Remains of the Motte exist (Grade I) and sections of the original flint curtain wall surround the grounds. The present building was the Gatehouse and is largely Tudor. The River Lea which was once part of the castle moat flows peacefully by.