This book reflects some of the diverse aspects of Hatfield's past that have come to the author's attention and interested him over many years. Hatfield has experienced major fires, Royal visits and other noteworthy events. Major employers of labour have been attracted to the town over many years. Residents have been fortunate to have a famous stately home and its surrounding park in their midst but it must be admitted that some of the local development that has taken place during the second half of the twentieth century has dismally failed to match their hopes and expectations. It is the author's hope that this book will increase the reader's understanding of Hatfield's heritage as an enduring place of historical interest.