07 Oct 2025
A six-strong delegation from Gansu Province in China has visited Harpenden to explore the hometown of local hero George Hogg.
Gansu is in the north-west of China through which the ancient Silk Road passed. Shandan, located in Gansu Province, is the town to which Harpenden schoolmaster George Hogg led 60 school boys in his charge to sanctuary during the Japanese invasion.
There are statues to Hogg, a man of remarkable achievements, in eight cities in China, yet he is little known in the UK, including Harpenden. This year marks the 80th anniversary of his untimely death.
The delegation to Harpenden included Liang Baoping, Deputy Director, Foreign Affairs Office of Gansu Province and Huang Guojie, Chief Executive, People’s Government of Shandan County.
The delegation landed at Gatwick Airport at about 6am on the day and travelled directly to Harpenden, where they inspected the George Hogg exhibition in the town museum.
They then visited the council chamber to meet Harpenden Mayor Cllr Beth Fisher.
She told them: “I never thought that I would welcome such eminent guests such as yourselves. During this year of the commemoration of the life of George Hogg, I hope that you will enjoy your visit to our town and find much of interest regarding his early life here. We take pride in Harpenden’s heritage and in those born here who have served the common good at home and abroad. George Hogg is admired and remembered for being compassionate, strong and resilient and it is with those characteristics in mind that I now present you with a letter of friendship on behalf of the town.”
The party went on to view Red Gables in West Common, where Hogg was born; Wayfarings, the later family home in Leyton Road; and the Silver Cup, where Hogg held his farewell drinks before departing on his world tour. Finally, the delegation visited his alma mater, St George’s School, hosted by the headmaster, Andy Ford for speeches.
Gansu Province offered to finance the expenses in China for a party of school children to visit.
A tour of the parts of the school followed, including the parts which existed in George Hogg’s time – he was head boy and captain of rugby, leaving in 1933.
The Mayor and representatives of Harpenden and Distirct History Society attended the 60th anniversary celebration of the Society for Anglo-Chinese Understanding held at King’s College, London the next day. The Chinese delegation presented the Mayor with a lifesize bust of George Hogg as a gift to the town.
