History

The Kings Arms first entered history books in the 18th century, but was most famous for being frequented by Berkhamsted-born author Graham Greene, who wrote about Berkhamsted in one of his more prominent works, 'The Ministry of Fear':

" …this time he was in the main street of a small country town where he had sometimes, when a boy stayed with an elder sister of his mothers. He was standing outside the inn yard of the King’s Arms, and up the yard he could see the lit windows of the barn in which dances were held on Saturday nights.".  

In celebration of Greene's literary connection with the Kings Arms, each of the individually-decorated en-suite rooms is named after a character from his novels or his personal life. The function room is also named The Greene Room, and the Kings Arms is actively involved in the International Graham Greene Festival every year.

As a major staging post for travellers westwards towards Windsor, as well as to the North and South. The King’s Arms became the principal inn of the town with a capacity to stable up to forty horses. It was also said to be the backdrop to a bit of debauchery from the King of France, who reputedly used to sleep with the Landlord's daughter, Polly Page.

Having faded into the background over the years as a tired hotel, Oakman Inns & Restaurants has restored life into the Kings Arms, which has returned to its prominent position in Berkhamsted High Street at the forefront of the community.