Hemel Old Town History & Hauntings

14/05/2026

Last Night I officially retired as Mayor of Dacorum having served my term. I have been reflecting with enormous pride on the power of community and everything we have achieved together across Dacorum.
This year has shown me that communities thrive when people care for one another, support one another and work together with kindness, compassion and purpose.
As a Queen’s Nurse, I have always believed that strong communities are at the very heart of wellbeing, and throughout this year I have seen that spirit alive in every corner of our borough.
From volunteers and local charities to residents, community groups and small organisations, so many people quietly make a difference every single day. It has been a privilege to meet so many inspiring individuals who give their time, energy and heart to making Dacorum a better place for others.
That is why I am especially proud that the Mayor’s Future Fund is now open for applications as there is now approximatly £17,000 to distribute accumulated by the last 3 mayors. If you are part of a small organisation or community group in Dacorum, I would strongly encourage you to contact Community Action Dacorum to find out how to access.

24/04/2026

How the market square used to look

St Mary's Close and St Mary's Church

24/04/2026

The Lamb dates back to the early 16th century, with records indicating it was built around 1527.
Because it sat right at the entrance to the churchyard and the market area, it was the social hub of the town for over 350 years.

The Vicar of St Mary's at the time, John Eggerton (Vicar from 1520 to 1528) took exception to the drinking and "unruly behaviour" happening inside the church on the informal market days (Hemel didn't receive its Royal Charter as a Market Town until the following decade in 1539, when the charter was granted by King Henry VIII.
So Eggerton commissioned the building of a new structure, a "Church House" on the High Street at the edge of church land (The Lamb), they were essentially saying: "If you're going to trade and drink, do it here, not in the Nave."

At the time, the church was the only large public building, so it was used for everything—including business deals, shelter, and communal drinking. By building a dedicated "Church House" right on the edge of the churchyard, the authorities could:

Move the rowdy crowds out of the consecrated building.

Control the sale of ale.

Generate income for the church through the pub's rent.

In the following decade, when the town applied to Henry VIII for the charter (likely pushed by John Waterhouse) to bring order to the existing chaos, the 1539 Charter gave the town a Bailiff (a legal official) who could collect taxes and, crucially, enforce the law.
It moved the market from a "customary gathering" to a "legal entity."
The first person to lead the town under this new charter was William Stephyns, who took office on December 29, 1539.

Having served the drinkers of the market town for over 350 years, the demolition of The Lamb finally happened circa 1888, it was a massive deal for the High Street. The removal of The Lamb didn't just widen the road; it fundamentally changed the "vibe" of the Old Town. It went from being a cramped, medieval-feeling alleyway to the open, airy civic space you see today around St Mary's Close and the Town Hall.

01/04/2026