Granny has been at Hertford, these last couple of weeks, on the town's visitor moorings next to the charming allotments. This weekend I plan to leave for Harlow.
Hertford is a great little town, full of unexpected architectural surprises (like the Green Dragon, below) and worth exploring.
When I first visited, as a teenager in the 1960s, I remember meeting old local men in the neighbourhood who pronounced it 'Hurtford', and the county as 'Hurts'.
But in the years since, I've never heard (herd?) that pronunciation again.
I've always pronounced it 'Hartford', and presumably most people have pronounced it that way, ever since the Revd. Samuel Stone left the town in the 1630s to found - with other Puritans - Hartford, Connecticut.
In other words, everybody Herts (sorry).
Do look out for the lovely bridge and gallery at Parndon Mill when you are at Harlow, well worth a visit.
Posted by: Kath Corbett | Saturday, 08 November 2008 at 12:43 AM
The Green Dragon is very photogenic, but you can't get a beer there. Did you visit The Old Barge in Hertford? - cider too!
Also I recommend the Dusty Miller in Harlow (up the hill, Burnt Mill Lane, opposite the railway station). A 48hr. "stoppage" ensued there earlier this year after we discovered this boater's resort - a.k.a. the Rusty Tiller.
P.S. Was amused to discover Ware weir. (Where?)
Posted by: Martin | Friday, 07 November 2008 at 09:32 AM
I, too, recall a pronunciation from the past: "Harford", i.e. with a silent "t". I'm sure my parents pronounced it like that. I'll have to check if they still do.
Posted by: Halfie | Friday, 07 November 2008 at 08:41 AM