The Lydekkers of Tollgate Cottage

Captain Arthur Lydekker - 1853-1935

Captain Arthur Lydekker JP (1853-1935)

Arthur Lydekker, the third son of Gerard Wolfe Lydekker, joined the Bedfordshire Regiment in 1871, aged 18, and rose to rank of Captain over 10 years.  He and his wife, Mabel, lived for a time in “The Cottage” (which later became “Tollgate Hotel”).

He was Chariman of the Parish Council from 1894-1898, and the first Chairman of Harpenden Urban District Council from 1898 to 1904.  Then he became a JP for the County.

He was active in other local matters, including the Reading and Lecture Institute, the Street Lighting Committee, and the Fire Brigade Committee.  He died in 1935 while addressing a meeting of the Church Missionary Society in the Public Hall (now Park Hall).

Mabel and Arthur Lydekker – 1880s?

Arthur & Mabel Lydekker – possibly a Golden Wedding family gathering, On the left Lionel Lydekker, Gwendolen (Mrs Neville) Lydekker, John Lydekker, Gwladys (Mrs Guy) Lydekker, Clare (Mrs John) Lydekker, Guy Lydekker, Margaret (Mrs Lionel) Lydekker, Neville Lydekker

Tollgate cottages – 65-69 High Street – pre 1914? – LHS 0090

Tollgate ‘hotel’ and cottages, ?1950s – LHS 1746

Comments about this page

  • I am currently occupying 69 Tollgate House, We have been running a successful hair salon for 10 years and going strong. I would love any information on the building and History from the details dated above. Regards Shazia

    Ed:  We have added a page about the people who have lived at 69 High Street.

    By Shazia Ali (13/06/2012)

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