Forget the Hollywood hills - we're heading for the bright lights of Hertfordshire with a list of famous faces that's sure to make your go starry-eyed. From music royalty to actual royalty, Hertfordshire has been a place to call 'home' for a whole host of well-known figures. So read on and join us for a leisurely stroll down our very own Hertfordshire Hall of Fame!
Queen Elizabeth I
We're kick-starting our round-up of notable Hertfordshire residents with a royally good one. Did you know that it was at our very own Hatfield House Queen Elizabeth I learnt of her succession to the throne? One of Elizabeth's first acts as Queen was to call her trusted advisers together for her first Council of State which was held in the Banqueting Hall of the Old Palace on-site. Fit for a Queen!
Lewis Hamilton MBE
Crowned six-time Formula One World Champion earlier this year, it's pretty safe to say that Lewis Hamilton is the most successful British racing driver in history. What you might not know, is that Lewis was born and raised right here in Stevenage, and started his racing career just down the road at Rye House Raceway. Fancy a dose of life in the fast lane yourself? Fasten that seat belt and put pedal to the metal whenever you like. Race on...
Sir Elton John
Any football fans out there will know that Sir Elton John has been connected to Watford Football Club for decades, including ownership and even sending is kids to play for them! Elton has supported Watford since his childhood, having grown up in the local area of Pinner in North London. In 2014, he appeared at Watford's Vicarage Road stadium for the grand opening of the 'Sir Elton John Stand', and is now an honorary life president. A famous football fanatic
Max Whitlock MBE
As if one world-class sportsman wasn't enough, we've got yet another one for you! Hemel Hempstead born Max Whitlock has two gold and three bronze Olympic medals under his belt with team GB, and has his hopes set on becoming an Olympic champion once more in the Tokyo 2020 games. If Lewis and Max have you itching to unleash the inner sports star in you, why not check out our round-up of the best ways to get active in Herts? Ready, set, go!
Guy Richie
We're pretty fanatic about films here in Herts, particularly with Elstree Studios and Leavesdon Studios being right here on our doorstep. Film making is in our blood, which is why we're particularly proud that English film director, film producer, screenwriter, and businessman Guy Ritchie was born right here in Hatfield. What's more Guy returned to his hometown as part of his professional career, directing scenes from Sherlock Holmes (2009) and its sequel Game of Shadows (2011) at the magnificent Hatfield House.
Victoria Beckham
Whilst she was actually born just over the boarder in Essex - English businesswoman, fashion designer and former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham was raised in the pretty village of Goffs Oak, in the borough of Broxbourne. Along with her husband David (who we think you might have heard of?) Victoria also brought a property in Sawbridgeworth in 1999 which very quickly became dubbed 'Beckingham Palace' by the press. The couple lived here with their children until 2013.
Harry Potter
Yes, yes, we know that 'technically' we can't claim Harry Potter as a resident of ours, but please just hear us out here. Possibly the most famous stop for any Harry Potter fan in England is the studios where the films were shot - Leavesden, aka the Warner Bros. Studios. Step behind the scenes of the Harry Potter films to experience the magic first hand. With original sets from the films, discover spellbinding special effects, experience green screen technology and marvel at the breath-taking miniature scale model of Hogwarts castle. Simply magical...
George Bernard Shaw
From a well-loved literary character to a well-loved literary writer. Playwright and Nobel Prize winner George Bernard Shaw spent 40 years in his Hertfordshire home, Shaw’s Corner, situated in the quaint village of Ayot St Lawrence. During his lifetime he wrote a whopping 60 plays including Saint Joan, man and Superman and Pygmalion. Today his humble abode is maintained by the National Trust and still holds a large collection of Shaw’s belongings, including his Nobel Prize and his own writing desk. Write this way...
Henry Moore
Henry Moore Studios & Gardens, near Much Hadham, is where Henry Moore created some of his greatest work. Feeling inspired? A visit offers you the chance to experience world-famous sculptures in a beautiful outdoor setting. Explore over 70 acres of grounds, showing the artist’s iconic work against the landscape he worked in. You can also take a tour of the Moore family’s home and the beautiful gardens created by Irina Moore. The faithfully recreated studios give you the chance to see behind the scenes and appreciate how Moore’s sculptures – large and small – were created. An artists impression