Bishop's Stortford: A History

The first Roman settlers in the Bishops Stortford area established themselves above low-lying marshes half a mile upriver from where the modern town lies. The settlement was no more than a wayside outpost, serving travelling soldiers and traders. Thus, with the end of Roman rule, its raison dtre disappeared. The later Saxon settlement that evolved above another ford on the river. Under the Bishop of Londons lordship Bishops Stortford grew into a thriving market town. So it remained until, in the 17th century, Charles IIs new road through Hockerill to ease his journey to Newmarket saw Bishops Stortford become an important coaching centre as well. The 18th-century Turnpike Trust and Stort Navigation helped the malting industry thrive, and, later, the railways arrival increased the towns population, leading to further prosperity. Today Bishops Stortford faces new challenges, including the growth of Stansted Airport and government requirements for increased housing in the south-east. It remains a lively, bustling market town, and the authors engaging narration of its compelling story is complemented by superb illustrations.