Unlike most New Towns, Hemel Hempstead developed around a charming old settlement, centred on St. Mary´s Church (which dates from c. 1150). The preserved High Street has 17th and 18th century houses, specialist shops and a lively arts centre. The New Town is a vibrant centre with an undercover shopping mall, parkland and water gardens. There is a market Thursday to Saturday and an antiques market on Wednesday.