16 Apr 2024
There’s a chance to discover obscure details from Harpenden’s rich and fascinating past at the town’s first Local History Day.
The event, on April 20 at the Eric Morecambe Centre, includes a free mini conference with local experts exploring the surprisingly ancient origins of Harpenden and how the foundations for the prosperous commuter town were put down far earlier than many people might expect.
Organiser Amanda J Thomas said: “The talks will definitely inform and educate, but we guarantee they will also leave you open-mouthed with the realisation that in over two and a half thousand years, nothing much has changed!”
Speakers and talks include:
An Introduction by Annie Brewster, JP
High Sheriff of Hertfordshire 2024-25 in Nomination
A brief history of the office of High Sheriff
In the year 969 King Edgar is said to have established Hertford as the principal borough of the shire or county that bears its name. He appointed a Shire-Reeve to act, in effect, as governor of the new county, holding in his name both civil and military power. High Sheriffs are still appointed personally by the King
for one year to be his representative in the county in all matters relating to the judiciary, the maintenance of law and order and the administration of justice.
Dr Alexander Thomas
Independent archaeological and historical researcher
Grain, trade and pilgrims: Harpenden from prehistory to the medieval
Harpenden has a history which stretches back thousands, if not millions, of years. From prehistory to the medieval period, this landscape was agriculturally fertile and politically contested. The cultivation of grain is fundamental to understanding Harpenden’s ancient origins, as is its harvest yield as the source of political arguments over its land management and ownership. This lecture will explore many key events which shaped the development of the town and the big questions still outstanding.
Amanda J Thomas
Author and historian
Medieval Harpenden, the plague and its consequences
In mid-14th century England, the plague killed around half the population. Known as the Black Death, it is the origin of folklore and myths, one of the greatest of which has only recently been debunked – rats did not transmit the pestilence.
Harpenden was not spared from this medieval apocalypse but fared better than other Hertfordshire villages. Whilst the town did not emerge unscathed, the Black Death created some unexpected opportunities.
Dr Tony Berk – scientist, author, local historian and tour guide
Was Harpenden important even before the railways?
Harpenden exploded in size, population and importance when the railways came, especially with the coming of the Midland railway and its direct link to London.
But, originally our town was just a very minor little settlement in the older and much more important parish of the village of Wheathampstead with its dominant minster church.
What happened? When exactly did Harpenden really predominate over the much more important village of Wheathampstead? The answer is not obvious.
Stephanie Reynard – vice-chairman, The Arts Society Harpenden Evening (TASHE)
Francis (Frank) Owen Salisbury of this Parish (1874-1962)
Born in Harpenden, the ninth of 12 children, Frank became the painter laureate of his generation.
Demanded by royalty, Rockefeller, Roosevelt, he painted over 800 portraits, and was King George V’s first choice for tableaux of state events.
Frank displayed 77 pictures at the Royal Academy, several hang in the Palace of Westminster, and his stained-glass windows adorn churches in Harpenden and around the world.
Yet after his death came obscurity – what went wrong?
