This rather impressive door is located in the old market place, Hemel Hempstead. The market dates back to 1539, when Henry VIII granted a Charter of Incorporation to the town, giving them a weekly Thursday market. The market grew in size and popularity to the point that Daniel Defoe, in his 1724 work, A Tour Of England, described it as an ‘extraordinary corn market’.
In 1851-8, the Market building was rebuilt in a grand Victorian style, part of which included this door, helpfully inscribed with the names of the architect, builder and local bailiff. You’ll note it’s now marked ‘Stage Door’ – that’s because the Victorian building is now a theater, hosting a variety of music, comedy and drama performances, as well as regular movie screenings.
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This is my entry to this week’s Thursday Doors, Norm 2.0’s regular blog challenge. To see more doors, or to add your own, simply visit Norm’s site and click the link.
Helen Glynn Jones 
Nice one – I like the arch, the lettering, as well as the way they combine and mix the white and green. Something tells me this one has been repainted more than a few times over the years.
Thanks, Norm – I agree, I think it’s been painted a few times over the years. However, the colours are quite in keeping with the era, which I like 🙂 They’ve just spent quite a bit of money rejuvenating the Old Town area, and it’s really nice to see.
An interesting journey from corn market to theater. 🙂 Still looks pretty good!
janet
Thanks, Janet – I do love all those layers of history 🙂
Can you post some more pix of the old town please? My partner used to live there and would be really interested to see them. Thanks Helen.
Sure! I’m heading down there this week so will take some then – at the moment I mostly have doors 🙂