Old Hatfield with its Georgian houses and former coaching inns dates back to Saxon times. Charles Dickens actually visited The Eight Bells and later featured it in ´Oliver Twist´. During the 1930s it was linked to the aviation industry with Mosquito and Trident aircraft being built there. Hatfield has retained many historic buildings notably the Old Palace, St Etheldreda's Church and Hatfield House, a fine Jacobean mansion in a spectacular countryside setting. The garden dates from the 17th century and includes a scented garden, herb garden and knot garden. In the Park an oak tree marks the place where Princess Elizabeth heard of her accession to the throne.