The Black Prince  

 

In 1337 Edward III gave the castle to his son, Edward, as part of the newly created Duchy of Cornwall. The castle is still part of the Duchy’s estate today. The extensive deer park behind the castle was a favourite hunting ground for the prince.

 

When the Black Prince left Berkhamsted to fight at the battles of Poitiers and Crécy he took with him archers from Berkhamsted and district. Berkhamsted archers practised shooting in ‘butts’ near the centre of the town on what is now called Butts Meadow. A brass commemorating John Raven, squire to the Black Prince, can be seen in St. Peter’s Church.