[1][2] The Hertfordshire and Welwyn Junction Railway company was formed on 25 June 1853.
The line opened to goods traffic on 29 February 1858 and the first passenger services ran on 1 March 1858.
Two halts, at Hatfield Hyde and Attimore Hall, were opened in 1905 and closed the same year.
[2] The line was closed to passengers in 1951, the last scheduled train running on 18 June 1951.
Goods services continued until 1962 and most of the track was lifted in June 1967, leaving a short stretch to serve two factories near the former Attimore Hall halt; this section was last used on 12 November 1981 and the track lifted soon afterwards.