The earliest inhabitants of the Ware area, were the hunter-gatherers of the Mesolithic period (middle Stone-age). During the Bronze Age, approximately 4,000 years ago, more permanent habitations were built around the river crossing.

The buttons below will give you an idea of the way that Ware has changed over the centuries, as the occupants and their way of life changed. Through the conquering and occupation of Britain by the Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Viking and Normans, Ware has been here on the crossing point of the River Lea for the road to the north of our island.

600BC to AD43

The Iron Age settlement at Ware was a large trading centre, being the furthest point on the River Lea for ships to reach.

Following Julius Caesar’s trading agreements with the Iron Age tribes in 54BC, Ware grew in importance as the link between the River Lea and the Catuvellauni main settlement at Braughing. This link is still maintained with Ware being part of the Braughing Hundred.

There was considerable trade with the continent of Europe, with the most popular items being British hunting dogs and slaves.

43AD to c450AD

In AD43, following the death of Cunobelinus, the pro-Roman chief of the Catuvellauni, Emperor Claudius decided to make Britain a formal part of the Roman Empire.

The Romans followed the ancient trackway up from London to the crossing of the River Lea. They created an army base at the river crossing which developed into the Roman town of Ware. The trackway became the road later known as Ermine Street, which was the main road from London up to York, via Braughing and Lincoln.

c. AD650 to AD1066

Following the withdrawal of the Roman administration in the 5th century, the town of Ware gradually declined and the townsfolk would have expanded back along the river. It was not until the 7th century that the Saxons moved into the area, building a small town to the east of the Roman town. Ermine Street had travelled in a straight line across the river and up north. The Saxons used the same crossing area although it is unknown how long the Roman bridge would have survived, but moved the road east and up what is now Baldock Street, before re-joining Ermine Street on the exit to the town. These Saxons probably came from Foxholes Farm, which was a thriving community from Neolithic times through to Saxon.

AD1066 to AD1485

When the Normans invaded England in AD1066 Ware was a thriving and prosperous town. At the time of the Conquest, Ware was held by Askell of Ware, who was a Thane of King Edward and Earl Harold; one of the most important men in the county.

Domesday book states that the Manor was given to Hugh de Grandmesnil and was valued at £45 in 1086. A reduction from the £50 it was valued at before 1066.

Hugh de Grandmesnil continued to hold the Manor of Ware and it was his descendants that realigned Baldock Street to develop the High Street and built a bridge on the current site. This permitted travellers along the Old North Road, to cross the river safely in all weather, avoiding Hertford altogether.

Ware’s Alien Benedictine Priory was founded by Hugh de Grandmesnil in 1087. The Franciscan Grey Friars were granted a licence to establish a Friary in Ware in 1338, on the site now known as the Priory. Ware was on the popular route for pilgrims travelling to Walsingham and provided sustenance on their way. When pilgrimages were forbidden by Edward VI, Ware had to find another way to make money.

Ware is a convenient distance out of London for a day’s ride. The many inns of Ware developed along the High Street to provide a change of horses for carriage folk and riders alike. They also provided a night’s rest for those travelling a longer distance.

Ware has continued to thrive, with the river Lea a useful connection to London. As the roads improved, they overshadowed the river, but then in their turn were overshadowed by the coming of the railway.

During the 20th century Ware grew to become the town we now know and still maintains links with London as a “dormitory” area for London commuters.