Hitchin lies about eight miles northeast of Luton on the River Hiz and near the Icknield Way. It was a Royal Borough in Domesday and mentioned as Hiz with four mills and a monastery. The town developed in the middle ages and its prosperity with the wool trade led to its Norman church being the biggest in Hertfordshire. It was partly built with Roman bricks and the original church is thought to have been founded by Offa, King of Mercia in the 8th century. The church has some fine 15th century screens. The town has many buildings of architectural interest including the 17th century Biggin Almshouses and the moated 18th century Hitchin Priory.
Facilities include non-resident management and emergency alarm service.
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