Nostalgic memories of Hitchin's local history

Share your own memories of Hitchin and read what others have said

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.

Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.

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Displaying Memories 1 - 10 of 14 in total

In the sixties Hitchin market was a "proper" market where local traders brought their produce and goods, all assembled and displayed on trestle tables in the open area alongside the duck stream and church. There were many regular traders who sold their goods each market weekday with their cry's of Three fer-a-pand" and "Over ere madam " for your quality towels and bedding from "Jonnie" a favourite with the ladies. ...see more
The gentleman in the white printer's apron walking towards the camera behind the group of three men on the right hand side of the picture is my grandfather James Cannon (1878-1922). He worked in Hitchin at the printers, Paternoster and Hales, as a compositor.
I am trying to trace the two sisters from Arlesey who were at the Girls Grammar School during the period 1942-1949, their names were Patricia and Freda Davies. Does anyone have news of them?
I would like a photo of St Mary's School (C of E) Churchyard ,Hitchin, Hertfordshire where I spent my childhood. I know it was pulled down in around 1970. Thank you Effie Lewis
I started at the school in September 1954 having won a scholarship from Fairlands Junior School in Stevenage. As I climbed Windmill Hill in my brand new uniform and satchel plus shoebag, I remember feeling terrified. We attended morning prayer and then the new stream of first formers were asked to stay behind when we were given a talk by Miss Badland - she was not as frightening as she ...see more
Clare's Cigar shop is now my shop, The Hair Boutique!
Had my parents stayed in Hitchin in 1938, l would have attended the Grammar School in 1944-1945! So feel sad as I moved to Warlingham, Surrey and attended Oxted County Grammar School 1945-1950 and Redhill Secretarial College 1950-1951. Often feel I would have done much better at the all girls' school, rather than co-educational - but too late now! We lived in Blackhorse Lane, Hitchin for some 2-3 ...see more
Personally I don't have a memory of the Sun Hotel, but my late mother told me once that she thought her father's family either owned or ran the hotel. Their name was Taylor and they came from Hitchen and the surrounding area.
Our grandparents used to visit Halsey's weekly from Old Stevenage to buy their provisions. Now I with my sister visit regularly especially as we love the new owners' Kirsty and Damien's Tea Room. We take our children for 'tea' there and they think it's a real treat! Christmas simply wouldn't be Christmas without our Christmas Pudding Coffee, and Wild Boar and Black Seal Rum Pate!
The scene is the rear of The Sun Hotel.