Blue Plaques and other commemorative wall plaques

Much of the information in these articles is taken from the leaflet HITCHIN – Blue Plaque Trail, published by the Society in 2000. This is currently out of print, but it is hoped to produce an updated version in the not-too-distant future.

Hitchin, a fine example of an old market town boasts a wealthy architectural heritage. It has also been home to many talented and distinguished residents.

To mark the millennium, a blue plaque scheme was initiated, with much help from local commercial undertakings, and this resulted in thirteen blue plaques being placed around the town. These are described below, with a numbered map, drawn by James Willis, to assist in locating them available to download here. Additional outline drawings were provided by James Willis, as well as Carola Scupham and Daphne Gibson.

In 2011, an additional, fourteenth blue plaque was created for local resident, Richard Walker, the renowned freshwater angler, author, journalist and broadcaster.

  1. William Ransom and Son plc, pharmaceutical chemists:
    104 Bancroft, SG5 1LY
  2. Frederic Seebohm: 1 – 5 Hermitage Road, SG5 1LT
  3. Hawkins Russell Jones: 7 – 8 Portmill Lane, SG5 1DJ
  4. The Old Library and Mechanics Institute:
    9 Brand Street, SG5 1HX
  5. The Old Town Hall: 10 Brand Street, SG5 1HX
  6. Barclays Bank: 5 – 6 High Street, SG5 1BH
  7. Hitchin Corn Exchange: 31 Market Place, SG5 1DY
  8. James Gatward: 20 – 21 Market Place, SG5 1DU
  9. The Sun Hotel: Sun Street, SG5 1AF
  10. Hitchin Priory: Tilehouse Street, SG5 2DL
  11. George Chapman: 34 Tilehouse Street, SG5 2DY
  12. The Lord Lister Hotel: 1 Park Street, SG4 9AH
  13. Hitchin British Schools: 41 – 42 Queen Street, SG4 9TS
  14. Richard Walker: 32 Fishponds Road, SG5 1NR