My late aunt and I made a diary of things that have happened
in Hitchin through the years, from 1268-1988. I thought it would be nice to
publish it online. So here goes with the
first instalment 1268-1800.
1268: Hitchin Market property of John D’ Baliol worth 10
marks
1450: 33/34 Bucklesbury erected (later The George)
1450: The Angel Vaults built (Demolished 1956)
1460: ‘Tylehousestret’ first mention by name in The Court of
Rolls formed South-West boundary of medieval Hitchin
1475: Coopers Arms built on site of even older house
1490: Red Hart built, probably as an Inn
1541: Archery Butts set up – Butts Close
1559: George Chapman (translator of Homer) born
1563: Census shows 245 families living in Hitchin
1568: First lavender grown in Hitchin
1618: The modern name ‘Hitchin’ first appears in a document
called ‘Hertfordshire Feet of Fines’ although still subject to variation
afterwards.
1630: Red Lion Inn in Market Place
1630: Straw Plaiting first seen in Hitchin
1637: Grammar School Founded (Free School)
1650: 2000 people living in Hitchin
1665: Plague raged in every part of Hitchin
1680: First fire engine in Hitchin
1709: Lucas brewery founded
1730: Smallpox raged 158 people died. 1580 people in Hitchin
1738: Last marriage performed at Minsden Chapel
1774: Violent storm did great damage to Sun Inn
1795: Very bad flooding in Bridge Street and Sun Street
1797: Prince of Wales passed through Hitchin
