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Discover Baldock, Hertfordshire


Baldock, Hertfordshire, EnglandBaldock, Hertfordshire, England: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Baldock_High_St_1.jpg
Author: Traveler100
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Baldock is a market town in the district of North Herfordshire, in Hertfordshire, England. Located 53 km (33 mi) to the north of London, it has a population of 10,000 people (2012 estimate).

Baldock traces its founding to the 1140s, though human habitation in the area goes as far back as 3,000 BC. Baldock is said to have been founded by the Knights Templar, and its name is said to be derived from Old French for Baghdad. The Templar knights have chosen that name for the town as Baghdad at that time was the most prosperous emporium in the world, and by association with it, they hope some of the prosperity would rub off on Baldock.

Baldock Town HallBaldock Town Hall: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Baldock_Town_Hall.JPG
Author: Acather96
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Little is know of Baldock until the 16th century, when it found its role as a center for the malting and brewing industries. By the end of the 19th century there were three major brewers operating in Baldock, supporting 30 drinking establishments - for a population of less than 2,000 people.

Baldock developed a number of high-tech industries in the mid 20th century, among them a laser research center and a film processing factory. Both of these have however shut down, as had its malting and brewing industries earlier. The film processing factory, a Listed Building, today houses a Tesco supermarket. Baldock itself is developing into a dormitory town.

Visiting Baldock

Coming from London, take the A1(M) motorway until Exit 9, then continue east on the A505. At the first rounadbout, continue north on the B197 road to reach Baldock.

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