Hemel Hempstead (/ˈhɛməl ˈhɛmpstɪd/) is a town in the Dacorum district in Hertfordshire, England, 24 miles (39 km) northwest of London, which is part of the Greater London Urban Area. The population at the 2011 census was 97,500. Developed after the Second World War as a new town, it has existed since the 8th century and was granted its town charter by Henry VIII in 1539. Nearby towns are Watford, St Albans and Berkhamsted.