Book Review: Hitchin Arcade - Then and Now
| Published: 15th January 2008 17:11 |
Review by Sharon McCafferty, member of the Hitchin Library Reading Group
In the face of the many new developments that are currently taking place throughout Hitchin, Hitchin Arcade - Then and Now was written by members of the Hitchin Historical Society in their attempt to ensure that The Arcade can be protected from the threat of possible re-development, with the knowledge that it is easier to ‘...protect a building or area if it has been well documented' (see page iii). At just under 100 pages, the book manages to provide a broad outline of The Arcade's history, its changing face throughout the centuries and its continual developing and changing aspects whilst still providing a lot of information that is easily accessible to the general reader.
The writing for each chapter varies according to the skills of its author; however, this does not detract from the quality or amount of information provided - the clear and well-structured bibliography and appendices provided show the wide selection of sources used in researching this book. Some of the chapters lead the reader through the development of The Arcade just as if an old friend or knowledgeable local is narrating its story.
The book covers not only the period immediately prior to the construction of The Arcade as we currently know it (in 1927) but also the historical beginnings of the area, explaining why Hitchin town centre is where it is and not somewhere else. It provides fascinating facts about burial mounds and ancient battlements that are within Hitchin through to The Arcade's original development as the Swane Inn over 500 years ago and its progression through the centuries from family ownership, developing the reader's knowledge of local worthies and their families who owned and developed the premises in the past on to the current owners and details of how The Arcade was able to stay in local ownership.
From the historical development of the area to the reminiscences of locals who worked and shopped in The Arcade to the current developments, public toilets and demolition of the old garages, this book will probably encourage anyone who has ever visited The Arcade, young or old, to reminisce about their visit and the characters they themselves knew and met. The inclusion of photographs, drawings and maps of the area throughout the book allow the reader to see and better understand the area being discussed and the changes that have occurred through the ages.
I found Hitchin Aracde - Then and Now to be an easy and relaxing read, with the possible exception of parts of Chapter Six. For example, ‘It had bricks that seemed to be intended to measure 8¾" x 4" x 2¼" (the examples measured are in the range 215/220 x 105 x 60/65mm)' on page 66. I personally found it easier to skip the sizing and enjoy the parts where no knowledge of construction or architecture was required. Alternatively, this chapter would benefit the reader who took the book with them as they strolled around The Arcade, Arcade Walk, West Alley and on to Paynes Park - the pictures provided within the chapter show you what to look for.
I feel that the book achieves the purpose set out by Hitchin Historical Society in documenting the historical relevance of The Arcade and its surroundings and provides enough information that could one day save The Arcade from re-development if such a threat ever arose.
Hitchin Arcade - Then and Now was published in 2007 and is available for £9.95 at Eric T Moore, 24 Bridge Street, Hitchin.
Details of the Hitchin Library Group can be found within the AboutMyArea SG4 & SG5 Clubs & Organisations pages.
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