much later, in the 17th century, as it lies on the old great north road, it became an important staging post and a number of coaching inns remain as public houses. after the great northern railway by-passed the village due to the objections of local landowners, welwyn became less important. having previously been seen as a town on par with hatfield and stevenage, it gradually was seen as a village. the 20th century brought major expansion to the area, as estates to the south, west and north of the village were built up.