Since its inception, the society has had an active publications programme. We produce high-quality publications on the history of the town, its buildings and people.
Many of our publications are currently available at special bargain prices. These are indicated with a red asterisk (*) so do take this opportunity to grab some local history before they sell out!
To order a publication, contact the Society’s Publications (Sales) Officer
Books, DVDs and CD-ROMs in print
- Bridewells of Hitchin – A History of Local Imprisonment *
Simon Walker, 1998 - Carriages to Cars: the Story of Coachbuilders and Motor Dealers Ralph E Sanders & Sons of Hitchin *
Stephen Bradford-Best, 2014 - A Century of Old Hitchin on Film DVD vol 1 *
Richard Whitmore, Sam Hallas, Tim Ray, 2011 - Cold Baths Don’t Work – A History of Mental Health Care in the Hitchin Area *
e-book edition also available
Mike Clarke, 2011 - Fire! Fire! Fireman Fisher’s Hitchin Diary 1926-1929 *
Phil Howard, 2014 - The Hitchin cabmen’s shelter: its rescue, restoration and return to the town *
Priscilla Douglas and Pauline Humphries, 1998 - Hitchin Cameos: Five Victorian Leading Townsmen *
Anthony M. Foster, 1980; new edition, 2000 - HITCHIN – Glimpses of the Past
Simon Walker, 2020 - HITCHIN – More Glimpses of the Past
Simon Walker, 2021 - Hitchin Priory Park: the history of a landscape park and gardens *
Bridget Howlett, 2004 - The Physic Garden in Hitchin: An Illustrated Guide *
The Hitchin Physic Gardeners, 2015 - Pioneering Women: the Origins of Girton College in Hitchin *
Val Campion, 2008 - Reminiscences of a Hitchin School in the 1870’s and 1880’s *
Frank Frazer Hoyland, 1935; edited by P. Douglas and P. Humphries, 2002 - A Royal Day to Remember DVD *
Sam Hallas, Tim Ray, Richard Whitmore, 2012 - Take 6 Carrots, 4 Heads of Celery, 8 Large Onions … *
Maya Pieris, 1994
Leaflets
NB: Some of these are out of print (marked ֍) , but click on the title and you will find a link to a PDF of the leaflet which you can download.
- An Aspect of Hitchin Transport: The Bicycle ֍
Pat Gadd - The Biggin ֍
Anthony M Foster, 1980 - Brief Guide to Historic Hitchin
Hitchin Historical Society & Hitchin Initiative, 2018 - A Brief History of Hitchin Markets and Fairs ֍
Anthony M Foster - Hitchin’s Straw Plait Industry *
N.E. Agar, Ph.D, second edition, 1998 - A Visitor’s History of Hitchin *
Anthony M. Foster, 1980; third edition, 1992 - A Walk along Sun Street *
Zena Grant, 2009 - A Walk along Tilehouse Street and Bridge Street
David and Bridget Howlett; second edition 2009
Non-HHS publications
- In Search of Clofesho
Clifford Offer, 2002 - Reflections in a Brass Helmet
Denis.B. Dolan, 1989 - A Venture of Faith *
E. Aillie Latchmore, 1970
Publications out of print
These may be available, either new or second-hand, from local bookshops. Try David’s in Letchworth or E.T.Moore (online only).
- Archaeology in Hitchin
Keith and Tony Fitzpatrick-Matthews, 2008 - Before the Paint was Dry – Old Hale Way School
Robert J. Prebble, 2002 - Blue Plaque Guide – Hitchin
Priscilla Douglas, Sue Fisher, Bridget and David Howlett, Pauline Humphries and John Jarvis, 2000 - Discovering Hitchin: an exploration
of aspects of Hitchin’s history beyond the town centre
Priscilla Douglas and Pauline Humphries, 1995 - Discovering More About Hitchin
Bridget Howlett, Pauline Humphries, 2018 - Exploring Hitchin CD-ROM
Alan Fleck, 2006 - Hitchin Arcade Then and Now
Various authors, 2008 - Hitchin and the GNR – Railway Walks
David Howlett, 2000 - Hodgson & Hankin: a fishy tale
of old Hitchin
Derek Wheeler, 2005 - The House that Bartlett Built
edited by P. Douglas and P. Humphries, 1995 - An Ickleford Scrapbook
Pat Gadd-Thurstance, 2001 - Jeeves Yard
Tony Crosby, Priscilla Douglas, Steve Fletcher, Mark Gimson, Bridget Howlett, Pauline Humphries, Simon Walker, 2003 - Joseph Ransom’s Naturalist’s Notebook
Val Campion, 2004 - Market Town
Anthony M Foster, edited by Lionel M Munby, 1987 - Maydencroft: a manor, hunting park, farm and brickworks, near Hitchin
Bridget Howlett, 2012 - Old Hitchin Life (reprint)
Ron Pigram, 2004 - Old Hitchin on Film DVD vol 2
Richard Whitmore, Sam Hallas, 2015 - Phebe’s Hitchin Book: Memories of Life in Regency Hitchin
transcribed by John Lucas, 2009 - Remembered-with-Pride: past pupils of the Hitchin Boys’ British School who lost their lives in the Great War
Jean M Handley, 2014 - Take the Train from Hitchin
Phil Howard, 2007 - Two Minutes to the Station: The tale of Hitchin’s Victorian Triangle
Valerie Taplin, Audrey Stewart, 2010 - Underground Hitchin: a look at
what’s under our feet
Simon Walker, 2000; & reprint 2013 - A Walk along Bucklersbury
Maya Pieris and David Howlett, 1991