December 2008

"Pioneering Women: the Origins of Girton College in Hitchin"

Another successful Historical Society booklaunch! On the 8th November the museum was crowded with well-wishers and people queuing to have their copy of the book signed by the author, Val Campion. Her book covers the first three years of the college before it moved to the Cambridgeshire village of Girton, from where it took its later name.

Here in Hitchin, the college was situated at Benslow House and was England's first residential college for women. Opened in 1869 by Emily Davies, it attracted women from far and wide in a pioneering venture which eventually saw women accepted at lectures in Cambridge on the same terms as the men. Several of its students went on to achieve great things, giving the lie to those Cambridge dons who had said intense study would make women hysterical; and anyway they should be at home looking after their parents and families.

You can purchase a copy of Val's book from our publications page or from any local bookseller,
price £ 8.95.

Ransom's Recreation Ground

The first phase of the refurbishment of the recreation ground's main entrance in Nightingale Road took place on 20th November.

Work on this valuable green open space has been encouraged and supported by the Triangle Resident's Association and Triangle History Group, and organised and funded by North Herts District Council. So far the gates have been restored, the pillars jet-washed, and replica lanterns and name plaques installed. The next phase, which will include the (slightly overdue?) fitting of railings to replace those removed during the last war, may receive funding through "Awards For All".

Michael Ransom, whose family donated the pasture land to the people of Hitchin in 1929, was present on the day, as were Stephen Sears of North Hertfordshire District Council's Park, Grounds and Countryside department, Sue Dye and Wendy Bowker of the Triangle Resident's Association, and Val Taplin of the Triangle History Group. Hitchin Historical Society is assisting the Triangle History Group in producing a history of the area, to be published next year. Stephen Bradford-Best, our programme secretary, was also present and I am grateful to him for his report and photograph of the event.

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This page updated 7th December 2008