It therefore ranges from small rural communities in villages and hamlets to major urban centres like Luton, Bedford, Watford and Hemel Hempstead, and includes suburban areas on London's outer reaches.

The diocese was founded by an Order in Council on 30 April 1877,[1] implementing the Bishopric of St Albans Act 1875.

The See of Hertford was created by Order in Council of 5 July 1889, but remained dormant until first filled in December 1967.

[3] Alternative episcopal oversight (for parishes in the diocese which reject the ministry of priests who are women) is provided by the provincial episcopal visitor, Norman Banks, Bishop suffragan of Richborough, who is licensed as an honorary assistant bishop of the diocese in order to facilitate his work there.

[8] There have been only two Archdeacons of Hertford since the archdeaconry's institution: the first, Trevor Jones,[9] who retired on 31 August 2016;[10] and the incumbent, Janet Mackenzie, who was collated on 6 September 2016.