Founded in 1977, Hitchin Historical Society is a registered charity whose object is to increase and spread knowledge of all aspects of the history of Hitchin. Follow the link on the About Us page to read about the Society’s history.
HISTORY OF HITCHIN : A key part of the society’s activities is members’ research on all aspects of Hitchin’s history. On the History of Hitchin page examples of members’ work can be found that cover a wide range of topics – from World War Two Pillboxes in Hitchin to a Pub Crawl in Virtual Historical Hitchin. There is also a list of the blue plaques that are dotted around the town.
Liaising : Because of our detailed knowledge of the town’s history we are able to liaise with other local societies on issues where we feel that account should be taken of the town’s historic character. We participated in the council review of Hitchin’s Conservation Area which has helped to ensure that the unique nature of the town is retained to keep it as being voted one of the best places in England to live. There is a link to the NHDC designated conservation areas on the Links page.
PUBLICATIONS : To promote the research work the Society has an active publications programme. We produce high-quality publications, in a variety of formats, on the history of the town, its buildings, businesses and people.
Members receive a regular Newsletter, keeping them abreast of Society news and events in the town. A periodic magazine, the Hitchin Journal is also produced and distributed twice yearly. The Journal carries articles on Hitchin’s history, as well as members’ reminiscences and research, and covers the impact of current events on the town’s heritage. All members can submit articles for publication.
A list of publications, some past editions of the newsletter and examples of journal articles can be found on the Publications page
THE PHYSIC GARDEN : the keen gardeners in the society maintain this area outside the town’s library. Examples of herbs and medicinal plants that were used by chemists in days of yore are grown there. Read more about this fascinating garden area on The Physic Garden page.
EVENTS – the society organises a full programme of talks and outings for the year. These are for members and visitors but, during the Hitchin festival period, additional talks are often arranged which are open to all. For a full list see the Events page.
Our meetings are held in Church House, on the north side of 
St Mary’s church, a building dating from about 1970. It was designed by W S Hattrell and Partners and on the front is a mural by Anthony Holloway, which Sir Nikolaus Pevsner thought might be symbolic of the destruction of the past by modern machinery.
