The Tunnels of Hertford
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The Tunnels of Hertford - Preface
Most people were first aware of the existence of tunnels under the streets of Hertford in an article written by Raymond Brown in the Hertfordshire Mercury on 8th October 2004.
The story sounds plausible but do the facts substantiate the claims? This essay reveals
a different truth. But first -
Hertfordshire Mercury - October 8th 2004
At a secret location in the town, Tim Acheson declared: “We are now prepared to reveal a secret we feel the people of Hertford should be made aware of. There is an extensive labyrinth right under their feet.”
“We are talking here about a largely unknown, indeed mostly secret, ancient underground network that stretches beneath the town’s main street and extends to Fore Street, Market Square, Parliament Square, Hertford Castle, Church Street, Bluecoats, Priory Street and in fact many, many other places.”
Introduction
Ben had also said: “All the sections of the secret Templar labyrinth were once linked. Here are the parts that I can tell you about. Fore Street was once the hub of the only part of the network that you know about. No 42 Fore Street was once linked to numerous chambers beneath Fore Street. It is still linked, via a passage recently blocked by the previous owners of 42 Fore Street, reaching to Bailey Hall and beyond."
Ben Acheson is referring to the Knights Templar. Much has been written of this order of late but in summary they were an international military order, a society of warrior monks formed during the crusades in 1178. They are traditionally thought as being the Keepers of the Holy Grail and the Ark of the Covenant, growing in power and wealth and credited with creating the basis of the modern banking system.
In 1307 King Philip arrested all the Templars in France although some escaped to England. In 1312 the Pope rounded up all the Templars and after accusing them of heresy, tortured them and put many to death on October 13th of that year.
Tim Acheson and his twin brother Ben believe that a branch of this secret society is still active in Hertford and that their predecessors built and maintained the tunnels beneath Hertford.
There are three locations in Hertford that act as the main stations for the intersecting tunnel network beneath the streets. These are Hertford Castle, Bayley Hall and Shire Hall. There are also a number of other buildings that play a minor part in connecting the network.
The following four pages offer a brief history of each location. If you prefer you can skip the history lesson and go straight to the mystery.
Next ... Hertford Castle
