The original Hatfield settlement, known as Old Hatfield, grew up around the gates of Hatfield House, which was partly reconstructed with bricks from Hatfield Palace. Built before 1497 for the Bishop of Ely, the Palace was retained for his two daughters Elizabeth and Mary.

Old Hatfield developed to cater for visitors of the Hatfield Palace and the travellers along the Great North Road which connected London to York and Edinburgh.

Throughout the 20th Century, Hatfield changed rapidly. The opening of the De Havilland aircraft factory brought new population and industry to the town, and further expansion occurred when the area was selected as a site for a postwar new Town in 1946.

As greater Welwyn Hatfield continued to expand, much of Old Hatfield's historic core remained intact. However, modern residential and commercial buildings were developed between the historic village centre and the railway station during the 60's and 70's.

The new masterplan for Old Hatfield was designed in a process called Charrette. It was led by Andres Duany and involved intense public participation and collaboration between all parties affected by the plan.

View Hatfield Booklet Post Charrette

View Old Hatfield Charrette Booklet