Stevenage
Spacious well-planned, modern post-war town, with light industry and offices. Only 20 minutes by train from the capital. The southern district was redeveloped as a new town under the New Towns Act of 1946.
Stevenage Old
Town © TAB
Although the city centre contains much 1950s brutalist concrete architecture, the older market town (along the High Street to the north of Stevenage), dates back to the 7th century and has several buildings of historical note. The early English flintstone Church of St Nicholas has a fine squat Norman tower. The Grange (formally the Swan Inn) is a fine 15th-c Coaching Inn that has been used for many purposes since. It was renowned as the first stopping point for eloping couples on the way to Gretna Green from London. Samuel Pepys stayed here in 1667. The property has lately been converted into private flats.
The town lies along the Roman way from St Albans (Verulamium) to Baldock. A number of important Roman occupation artifacts were uncovered during the development of the newtown, including a hoard of 2,000 silver Roman coins. A group of round barrows just south of the town (called The Six Hills), are most likely Roman burial places.
E. M. Forster, author of "A Passage to India", lived in the old town during his childhood (1883 to 1893), on Weston Road near to St Nicholas’ Church. His novel "Howards End" was inspired by this area of Hertfordshire.
The town is a popular retail destination for the county. Westgate Shopping Centre provides a wide range of branded outlets plus many smaller independent shops. A good selection of eateries and restaurants can be found near the station and in the old town area. There is a bowling alley and a multi-screen cinema near to the railway station, where regular train services run along the East Coast Line - terminating at London King's Cross.
Place of Interest in Stevenage
Stevenage Museum
St Georges, a modern post WWII church near the main shopping centre, houses a small museum of local history in its basement. On display are over 18,000 photographs and 10,000 objects detailing the town's history.
A range of family based events are held throughout the year.
Opening times: Wed
to Fri, 10am to 4.30pm; Sat 10am to 5pm - Free
Entry
Location: St. Georges Way, Stevenage SG1 1XX
Tel: 01438 218881
Website: stevenage.gov.uk
Fairlands Valley Park
Over 100 acres of green parkland located right in the heart of Stevenage. To the north of the park is 20 acres of open water divided into four linked lakes. The water park offers fishing, sailing, canoeing, windsurfing and other outdoor pursuits.
Map of Stevenage
South East England
