Royston, Hertfordshire Has A History Spanning Two Millennia
The active market town of Royston – Hertfordshire is situated in the northern section of Hertfordshire. Central London is just 69 km away. The town’s economy is derived from many light industry operations which create employment opportunities for the residents. A 2001 census established a population of 14,500.
The town’s history covers a period of two millennia. When the Romans were in occupation, Royston was set up at the junction of two large roads – Ermine Street and Icknield Way. In prehistoric times, Icknield Way was a route that enabled traders to travel through the surrounding chalk hills.
In Norman times, a woman, Lady Roysia, put up a cross on the curbside where the two roads met. The cross did not stand the test of time but the stone base stayed in perfect condition. It now takes pride of place near the crossroad. It was named Roysia’s Stone, from which Royston derived its name.
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.
The Royston Cave is also a distinctive attraction. It is one of only two
Pages: 1 2