Description

Despite being named the first ‘Garden City’, Letchworth was conceived as a model industrial town built on enterprise and employment. Never intended to be merely a pleasant place to live, from the outset its founders encouraged the mass re-location of manufacturers and their employees from London and other overcrowded cities so that Letchworth would be able to function as a self-supporting community.

In this richly illustrated account, Letchworth Local History Research Group look in detail at the town’s foundation in the early 1900’s and the energetic organisation and administration that enabled it to get off the ground quickly and successfully. Putting to rest some of the enduring myths about the garden city, they reveal a nuanced picture of the early years of the hard-working new settlement.

The collaborative efforts of the First Garden City Ltd (FGC), the development company for the new town, are a key focus. Extremely well-connected and experienced, the senior management of FGC (including Ebenezer Howard) were able to provide sites for development and key infrastructure in keeping with a clear strategy. Naturally there were challenges and the need for capital to maintain momentum posed considerable difficulties. Yet strong leadership saw the fledgling town through some tough periods, including the first world war.

The second part of this book comprises a detailed gazetteer of the industries that established themselves in Letchworth in its early years, with rare archive photographs showing both premises and workers. From printing and publishing, to motor manufactur, foundries, clothing and pioneering cinematic companies, the story of Letchworth’s early industry is lively and unique.

Paperback: 129 pages
Publisher: Hertfordshire Publications an imprint of University of Hertfordshire Press, 2021
ISBN: 978 1 912260 28 7
Product Dimensions: 21.2 x 0.8 x 29.7 cm