So-and-so was born here. Oh, really? I didn’t know that. It’s hard not to stop and read a blue plaque on a building to find out who the celebrated person is linked to it. Well in Herts there are perhaps many more links than you knew about. Here are just 10 figures born in the early 19th to 20th centuries who could claim to have made their mark on their times and beyond.
Frederick Archer, Bishop’s Stortford, 1813
The inventor of an improved photographic process, Frederick Archer was born in Bishop’s Stortford (although some say Hertford), the son of a butcher. The collodion process that he developed (excuse the pun) enabled the exposure time for photographs to be reduced, which was a great boon to snappers. Sadly, Archer failed to patent it, which meant he barely made any money and died early, in 1857, impoverished. Although he’s recalled chiefly for this one invention, Archer was also a handy sculptor and got into photography to capture images of his work.
Henry Hawkins, Hitchin, 1817
The alliterative Henry Hawkins aka ‘Hanging Hawkins’ was a lawyer and judge who was a tad more lenient than his moniker suggests. Born in Hitchin, the son of a solicitor, he became a High Court judge (1876-98) and presided at many of the Victorian era’s famous trials, including the celebrated Tichborne Case (1871-74), in which a mystery man claimed to be the heir to the Tichborne baronetcy. Hawkins, a member of the prosecution team, cross-examined the claimant, who was convicted of perjury and sentenced to imprisonment.
Thomas Wells, St Albans, 1818
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Explosive history
With bonfire night this month, author Harry Smee recounts the explosive story of his family’s firework company, Brock’s, creators of wonders and war-changing weapons
A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer
Laurie McGrath, senior designer at Harriet Kelsall bespoke jewellery in Halls Green, gives an insight into her working day
Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES
Meet the fire investigation dogs securing convictions against arsonists and murderers who otherwise may go free
The greatest traveller
Exploring ancient civilisations and rising powers, Violet CressyMarcks became the most travelled woman of her age. Fifty years after her death we look at her incredible life
Return of the Queen of Romance
Twenty years after the death of record-breaking novelist Dame Barbara Cartland, Gillian Thornton talks passions, plots and a new audience with her son at the family home in Essendon
In bed with CELEBS
Marking its 70th year, Welham Green soft furnishings company Ashley Wilde has grown from a pile-it-high, sell-it-cheap business into an industry leader with A-list partnerships
Roam with a view
We may not have coastline or mountains, but Herts has beautiful views all the same, if you know where to look
Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle
The secret life of a much-loved British mammal and simple steps we can take at home to stop its extinction
A walk down Surreal Street
Paul Crowley draws on his graphic designer’s eye to capture scenes from the country to the street, all tinged with surreality
5 minutes with
Carole Spiers, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce member and founder of International Stress Awareness Week
