Harpenden’s journey from rural village to modern town will be the focus of a public talk hosted by the Harpenden Local History Society.
Titled Growth of Harpenden: 1860 to 2040, the lecture will take place at 8pm on Tuesday, November 18, at High Street Methodist Church.
It will be delivered by Philip Smith, a trustee of the society who studied history before pursuing a career in finance.
Philip said: “Harpenden grew organically between 1860, when Harpenden, Redbourn and Wheathampstead were all a similar size, and 1980 at a growth rate five times above the national average – population in 1980 was 28,000.
“The trend then reversed from 1980 to today, with growth significantly below the national average. But where might we be in 2040!”
He will use maps, photographs and paintings from the society’s archives to illustrate Harpenden’s transformation from a village of 2,000 residents in 1860 to a town of about 30,000 today.
The event is free for society members and students. Visitors are welcome with a suggested donation of £5. No booking is required.
Free evening parking is available on nearby streets, and the venue is accessible on foot from the lower level of the Bowers Way (West) public car park.
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