a market-town of Hertfordshire, 14 miles N.W. of Hertford. The parish church is a handsome building, with a fine porch, and an altar-piece by Rubens. It has a free grammar-school, an infirmary, mechanics' institute, and savings bank. Malting is extensively carried on, and straw-plaiting affords employment to many persons. There are also several breweries and a silk mill. Market-day, Tuesday. Pop. (1851) 5258.