November 2007

Hitchin Arcade book launch

Our latest publication, a book about one of Hitchin's most loved and distinctive features, was launched in a party atmosphere on 3rd November. Hitchin Arcade Then and Now is the culmination of two and a half years' work by eleven authors and was timed to celebrate 80 years since Hitchin's Arcade opened in 1927.

"It was a proud moment for both Hitchin Historical Society, who published the book, and Hitchin Arcade where the book was launched", says Scilla Douglas, our publications manager. "And in a fortunate coincidence, 2007 is the 80th birthday of the Arcade as a shopping arcade, so we were very pleased that we were able to complete the book just in time."

The Arcade was in particularly festive mood on the day courtesy of the Town Centre Manager, with hundreds of balloons decorating the shops and a barrel organ providing a vintage touch.

Scilla says, "The book brought together many different interests and then lots more townspeople pulled together to make the day such a success. It was a celebration that did Hitchin proud!" At the launch David Howlett, our chairman, singled out for particular mention Shilcocks, A Touch of Garnish and The Ginger Jar who together provided refreshments for the launch ceremony.

Sales of the book were brisk and nearly 200 were sold in just a few hours. Hitchin Arcade Then and Now is available from the Society and at various outlets, including Hitchin Museum, the Town Centre Initiative office, Eric Moore, Waterstones and Waitrose, and is priced at £9.95.

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Bessie Titchmarsh

Shopkeeper, Draper and Milliner

Val Taplin, leading light of the Triangle History Group, has asked Hitchin Historical Society members for their help (for those not acquainted with the Triangle, it is the area bounded by Nightingale Road, Walsworth Road and Verulam Road).

Val says,"I am appealing for information about Bessie Titchmarsh and two shops along Walsworth Road. Perhaps you have someone in your family who lived in the area. If so, there may be family photographs sitting in a shoe box or a loft, showing Bessie or her shops.

"I know Bessie came to Hitchin with her mother from Barrington in Cambridgeshire in the late 1870s or early 1880s. Bessie opened a ladies' and childrens' underclothing, hosiery and haberdashery shop at 37 Walsworth Road in the early 1880s. By 1895 she also had a shop at 37 Bucklersbury in the town centre. Was this also a clothing shop?

"In 1910 she moved from 37 to 36 Walsworth Road. She still ran the clothes shop, but now she became the post mistress of the Post Office at that address.

"I don't know the circumstances of her death but Bessie passed away in January 1932 aged 70."

Some directories list the Post Office at 41 Walsworth Road but that may be due to renumbering by the Royal Mail.

If you think you can help Val with information about Betty Titchmarsh, her shops or the Post Office(s), please contact her on 01462 454552 or email the editor.

This page updated 13th November 2007