White Swan Hoddesdon

By the 18th century Hoddesdon had developed into an important coaching centre on the route from London to Cambridge with over 30 inns. It was one of these that a "broad shouldered pockmarked" man called Dick Turpin operated from during the 1730s holding up travellers and stealing their possessions on the Hoddesdon to Ware road. Today many of the inns remain, such as the Golden Lion (1535), White Swan (photo) and Salisbury Arms - both 16th century and the Bell (1660).

About Hoddesdon

Hoddesdon, in the Borough of Broxbourne, is 10 miles from the M25 and adjacent to the A10.  Its name derives apparently from the Saxon "Hodda" a cousin of William I who owned land in the area and "don" - a down or hill.

Its clock tower stands on the site of the old Chapel of St Katharine's and dates from 1875.

Hoddesdon's present day image owes much to Henry III who granted a weekly cattle market and annual fare on the Feast of St Martin's in 1253. From this time the town grew to be a centre of commerce and home to a prosperous market, which is still held on a Wednesday and Friday each week.

Through the centuries wealthy traders built town houses, many of which still survive. One of them, Lowewood House, is now a Museum.