UK City Guides: Ware, Hertfordshire
Wind Down in Welcoming Ware
Ware is a historic market town located in Hertfordshire, southern England. It lies approximately 20 miles north of London and is situated on the River Lea. The town has a population of around 20,000 people and is now a commuting town for London with frequent trains to Liverpool Street.
History
Ware has a long history that dates back to Roman times, and evidence of Roman settlements has been found in the area. The town's name is derived from the Old English word "weir," meaning a fishing trap or dam, reflecting its historical connection to the river.
The settlement was mentioned in the Norman Domesday Book of 1086 as Waras from the natural weirs in the River Lea. Ware is also mentioned by both Shakespeare and Chaucer. The Great Bed of Ware - a huge four-poster once housed in the White Hart Inn in Ware - appears in Twelve Night. The original is now in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The town also get's a mention in Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, Roger of Ware is the cook in the Cook's Tale.
The town's market dates back to the 13th century and some buildings along the High Street are from the 14th century. During the 17th century Ware became an important maltmaking centre and the most important supplier of malt to the Common Brewers of London. By the late 19th century there were over 100 malt kilns in the town. However, by the 1990s the last traditional kiln had closed. The bronze Maltmaker statue by sculptor, Jill Tweed, stands outside St Mary's Church to commemorate the end of the industry and the 2000 Millennium.
Other important industries in the town were engineering and pharmaceuticals. The former D. Wickham & Co. manufacturers of railcars has closed but Allen & Hanburys, the pharmaceutical company, merged with Glaxo in the 1950s.
The River Lea Navigation, a canalized section of the river, passes through Ware. This waterway played a significant role in the town's historical development, supporting the trade and transport of malt. The Lea Valley Walk follows the Lee Navigation towpath, from Waltham Abbey to the River Thames at Limehouse Basin.
Attractions
St. Mary's Church is a picturesque parish church with a mix of architectural styles, including both Norman and Gothic elements. There has been a church on the site since Norman times testified by reference in the Domesday Book. It once served the monks in the local priory. The parish church is now a grade I listed building.
A former Benedictine priory, Ware Priory dates from the 12th century and is now used as a venue for weddings, conferences, and other social events.
Ware Museum has exhibits of the town's Roman past, the Second World War and Allen & Hanburys pharmaceuticals. Opens Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday 11 am - 4 pm; Sunday 2 pm - 4 pm; free admission.
Scott's Grotto is an underground series of chambers and passages created by the poet and mystic John Scott in the 18th century. It is now a Grade I listed building and open to the public. It is the largest grotto in Britain.
The annual Ware Festival in July features a diverse range of events, such as live music performances, art exhibitions, parades, food and drink festivals, and lots of fun, family-friendly activities.
The Ware Dickensian Evening on the first Friday in December transforms Ware into a Dickensian-style town for an evening. People dress in Victorian costumes, and the town is decorated with Christmas lights.
Eat & Drink
The Star and The Bell are a couple of several pubs in the town. They are both on the High Street. Other pubs in Ware include the Waterside Inn, The Angel and Punch House on West Street.
Places to eat include the Village Taverna also on West Street, Amico Di Amici at the Red Lion in nearby Stanstead Abbotts and cheap eats at Ware To Eat on Baldock Street. You can also wine and dine out at the The King's Mead close to King's Mead Nature Reserve.
Accommodation
Hertford, the nearest large town, offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and tastes. Some recommendations include the Salisbury Arms Hotel, the Dog & Whistle Pub and Wellrose Barn, midway between Hertford and Bishop's Stortford.
See here for a complete list of accommodation in Hertford.
If you wish to stay in or around Ware itself try the French Horn Cottage - a B&B - The Rifle Volunteer, with pleasant garden or the 3 Bed Town House Hertfordshire - with free private parking.
Access - Getting There
The town has a railway station on the Hertford East Branch Line, providing access to London Liverpool Street and other destinations. The A10 road also passes through the town, linking it to other parts of Hertfordshire and beyond.
Rail
Greater Anglia operates Ware Station and all trains calling there. There are trains into London to Liverpool Street, Seven Sisters, Tottenham Hale and Stratford. There are also trains to Hertford East.
Bus
There are frequent buses connecting Ware to the county town of Hertford, 5 miles to the west. These include the 724 Greenline, 310 and 907 services. There are also services to Waltham Cross, Cheshunt and Stevenage.
Air
The nearest airports to Ware are Stansted Airport (20 miles east), London City Airport and Heathrow.
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