Hemel Hempstead, c.1960

Photo ref: H255037

More about this scene

The line was noted for its steep gradients, which led to the nickname of 'Puffing Annie' for the engine, and even today local people recall the railway, known as the 'Nickey Line', with affection. Theories abound on the origin of the name, including a derivation from the knickerbockers worn by the navvies who built the railway. The new railway led to the area around Alexandra Road, the land sold by the Coopers, being developed into what was known as the 'New Town'. The name unwittingly foreshadowed the fate of the town in the following century. Although photographs show a busy town, poverty in the slums prevailed, especially in the yards where the decline of the straw plait industry meant that women and children no longer contributed to the family income. Yet the Bailiwick at times of public celebrations, such as Queen Victoria's Golden and Diamond Jubilees, and with the help of public donations, never forgot the poor, usually in the form of a dinner. However people's generosity did not appear to extend to the 220 unfortunate inmates of the Workhouse. Built in 1836, the Workhouse stood on the old Redbourn Road, now Allandale. By the Second World War it became St Paul's Hospital and was the main maternity unit for a number of years, until transferred to the extended West Herts Hospital in 1987. The building has since been demolished and replaced with housing. The 19th century closed with an important event in the history of our town. In 1896 the Bailiwick petitioned the Privy Council for a Charter of Incorporation and Queen Victoria granted Hemel Hempstead its charter on 8 June 1898. It is from this charter that the present local authority derives its modern status and powers. By the charter Queen Victoria established a new Corporation known as the Mayor, Aldermen and Burgesses of Hemel Hempstead. It was ordained that the Mayor could also use the title of Bailiff. The Bailiwick tactfully elected Sir Astley Paston Cooper as the first Mayor of the newly formed Borough, and a great civic celebration was planned with Sir Astley opening Gadebridge Park to the public for the celebrations and sporting events.