Harpenden Memorials and Sculptures
A survey in 2020 of plaques dedicated to individuals, organisations and events
By Gavin Ross
Celebrating the first 50 years of research at Rothamsted
Queen Elizabeth II unveiled these plaques to mark 150 years of research at Rothamsted
Apart from the obvious Town War Memorial and inscriptions in churches and cemeteries, there are a number of small plaques seats throughout the centre of Harpenden and on park benches and trees, commemorating people or events, such as the 50th anniversary of the founding of Rothamsted Research and the first 150 years of research.
We hope that readers will contribute information about these lovingly remembered Harpenden citizens
High Street
Opposite The George a seat is dedicated to Hon Alderman Vic Truss (1920-1995).
On the Concourse, benches round the tree commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the Harpenden Society in 1980. A nearby bench dated 1978 is from the Jeakings Bequest, one of several locations suggested by the Harpenden Society - but we have no further information about the Jeakings family. The nearby Copper Beech was donated in 2007 by Fantastic Fireworks and Harpenden Scouts.
One of the seats on the concourse donated through the Jeakings Bequest
Celebrating the first 50 years of the United Nations
At the Bus Shelter a bench commemorates the 50th anniversary of the United Nations in 1995. A further bench is in memory of Cllr Colin Curl who died in 1994 (the plaque is very faint). Near Sainsbury’s is a bench from the Jeakings Bequest in 1979. Opposite Santander is a bench donated by Harpenden (Evening) Townswomen’s Guild in 1970, commemorating their 21st year.
Near Anvil House stands a Norway Maple donated by Jarvis Ltd in 2008.
Sensory Garden
2012 Jubliee sculpture near the Sensory Garden
LHS archives - Les Casey
The Jubilee Crown was installed in 2012 to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The Braille Plaque dating from 2010 honours Cllr Phyllis Moore. Benches commemorate the 2000 Millennium donated by the Harpenden Society, the Townswomen's Guild in memory of Florence Roberts in 1998, The Harpenden Guide Association in 1999, in addition to the plaque celebrating their diamond jubilee in 1970, and from TocH in memory of Rev W. and Mrs J.M. Elliott (undated).
Celebrating the first 60 years Girl Guides in Harpenden, 1970
A peace rose was dedicated to celebrate the first 50 years of the United Nations
A stone plaque and a 'Rosa Peace Keeper' rose was donated by Harpenden United Nations Association in 1995 and rededicated in 2005.
Lydekker Park
The park was opened in 1998, in part of the estate of Harpenden Lodge, according to the will of Hilda Lydekker in memory of her brothers who died in World War I. The poem 'In Flanders Field' by Major John Macrae is displayed on a separate board. The park was designed by Peter Sensky ARIBA (1938-2002) who is named on one of the seats. Other dedicated seats are to Jim Manger (1914-1999) and Eileen Manger (1915-2000), Gill Hollier (1936-2006), Raminder Chena (1930-2000) and James Holdaway (1916-2002).
Church Green
Tete-a-Tete and benches on Church Green
The sculpture Tete a Tete by John Brown FRBS was donated by Harpenden Area Decorative & Fine Arts Society in 2000. Benches commemorate Caroline and Gregory Poupard (2002), Sarah Louise Torrens (1971-1997), Dorothy Edna Pearce (1908-1997) and Frederick John Pearce (1907-1975). A further bench has a barely legible inscription.
Outside St Nicholas Hall there are benches for Jill Saunders (1949-94), Phyllis McNeill (1927-76), Irene Harmer (1922-1990) and Enid Slaughter (1909-87). In St Nicholas churchyard behind the church a bench for Susan Scrivener (1951-2011).
Leyton Green
Richard Hartley Offer (1929-2009) and David James Falder (1981-1995).
Outside Waitrose, there are two seats made of recycled waste plastic.
Fountain Square
Eight seats in a square donated by or commemorating The Lions Club, Judy Fryd founder of Mencap, George L Higgins (1930-2000), Peter and Barbara New (1929-2002 and 1928-2001), TocH Bookstall (1954-2003), Michael Doyle (1928-2000), Fred and Hannah Golds and Eric and Marjorie Golds. A further bench donated from the Methodist Church Coffee Lounge in 1982.
The TocH bookstall was a popular magnet for many years
Drinking fountain, first erected in 1890
The fountain, originally a drinking fountain and nearer the road, was donated by Sir John Lawes in 1890 and was rededicated in 1914 by the Harpenden branch of the British Women's Temperance Association. It was moved to its present position, when the subterranean public conveniences were replaced.
Harpenden Common to the Silver Cup
Phyllis and Ronald Adam (worked locally 1965-1984). John Berry (1934-2009). Frank Popplewell, President of the British Legion (1922-1978). Clive Ernest Bygrave (1925-2003). Arthur Ward (Bucky) 2003.
Seat dedicated to Ian Fulton outside Park Hall
Harpenden Trust seat outside Park Hall
Outside Park Hall two benches donated by the Harpenden Trust, 1999. One of these benches rededicated to Cllr Ian Fulton (1934-2019) by the Scouts, recognising his work in replacing the diseased elm trees with beech trees. Outside Harpenden Town Hall: Cllr Dorothy Mills (1921-2019).
Near Harpenden Hall, Mari Louth Cook (1928-2010). In Harpenden Hall garden, Mrs E Pare (1894-1983). On the wall in the garden of Harpenden Hall, Cllr John Fryd (1914-1981) and Judy Fryd (1909-2000).
Harpenden Common from Bull Road
Benches beneath the Baalamb trees
The oak planted to celebrate the first 25 years of town-twinning with Alzey did not survive, but the partnership has continued to flourish
Round the Baa Lamb Trees, Fred Cox (d. 1989) and Millie Cox (d. 1998). Elizabeth Hardy (1915-1996). Godfrey Dean (1933-1983). 25 Years of Town Twinning with Alzey (1963-1988), with reference to a tree, which did not survive. The circular seats round a further tree are dedicated to the Children of Harpenden (“from a lover of both”).
By the Southdown Ponds, Alan Golds and Fred Golds (undated). Mary Frances Aks. Doris Irene Sylvester (1936-1999). A further bench was donated by Harpenden Horticultural Society, and another by H.J.Gray Ltd in 1999.
Harpenden Common Cricket Ground
Harpenden Common Cricket pitch
Several benches were donated when the ground was renewed and levelled, with a raised bank near the main road. Ian James Sterrett (1959-2005). Dee Billing (1948-2011). Harold John Thurlow (1916-2003). Alan Kershaw (d. 1998). Michael Marr (1912-2002). Ernie and Olive Ackroyd (two seats donated by Rotary Club). Mrs Snowdon Crossley (1960). Arthur Robert Hassell (1895-1986). Ron Fielder (1901-1998). Dot and Maurice Evans. Josephine Jenkins. Ralph Oliver (Captain 1953-59).
Between the Cricket pavilion and Queens Road, Russell and Peggy Taylor. A further bench donated by the Dennehy family. Under a tree near Queen's Road, John Lines (1916-1991).
In Queens Road, a bench to 'Dear Freddie' (1917-2002), (probably Fred Roberts). In Bowling Close by the Skew Bridge, a bench to 'Gwen' (1927-1998), (probably Gwen Gay-Tideswell).
By Harpenden Trust Hall in Southdown Road, Nan and Bob Renwick.
Harpenden Common south of Walkers Road
By St John's Church, to David Morley. In St John's Field, benches to Gerald McGuiness, Olive Attwell (1923-2013), and to Edward Martin (1932-1995) and Brenda Martin (1937-2011). By the Brickle/Prickle Dells, Sarah Spells (1978-2012) and Adam Prince (1985-2014). By Eastmoor Park, Arthur and Stella Dalton. At the main road junction with Beesonend Lane, Micheal Hill.
Rothamsted Park
The Jeakings garden in Rothamsted Park
Two wooden sculptures by Simon Hebditch (c. 1998, carved from trees which were felled when the covered swimming pool was built) - Nightingale Valley and Salmon Run - have been removed while building work is in progress in 2020. In the Jeakings Garden, there is a memorial bench to Freifrau (Baroness) Wiltrud von Richthofen (d. 2011), who helped at the Sports Centre. By the children's play park, a bench to Joyce (1921-2001). Along the main drive, Chris Wroe (1940-2014) and Cynthia Southern. Near the swimming pool, a French inscription to Leo. By the football pitches, Paul Crake (1954-2012) from Harpenden Lions, Eric Miller (1916-2009) and Joan Miller (1920-2012), Ann Drysdale (1996), Chris Gerrard (1983-2015) from Young Hawks, Bob Bradbury (1949-2019) with panels as an Auxiliary Fireman, and Ann Rowe (1939-2018).
West Common near Rivers Lodge
Jean Reed (1931-2005) and Philip Reed (1929-2005). Hilda Smith (1929-2011) and Leonard Smith (1923-2013).
A further bench has a simple verse: “Sit a-while and rest your feet. You will not get splinters from this seat. October 1995.”
Sun Lane and Ox Lane
At the junction, a seat referring to the Baha'i World Faith.
Westfield Cemetery
Apart from the tomb memorials there are some seats with dedicated inscriptions. In the first square a seat donated by Hertbeats, the local health group supporting heart patients. Individual memorials are to Jane Barrett (1970-99), Christine Bates, Alice Gelling (1942-2017), Tony Hardy (2013), Margaret Reeves (2016), Roy Simmons (2006), and to Alan Stevens (1972) and Mary Stevens (2001).
Batford and Lea Valley
At Batford Corner, a memorial to Bob Hill. In All Saints Church garden, Arthur Barker (1916-1991) and Gladys Barker (1919-1996).
By Marquis Lane fields, Bill Crombie (1934-2013).
People commemorated - in alphabetical order
Plaques for the following are too faint to photograph: John Berry near the British Legion, Clive Ernest Bygrave near Rothamsted Park Gates, Colin Curl near the High Street bus shelter.
Ernie and Olive Ackroyd - Cricket groundAckroyd
Phyllis and Ronald Adams - outside British Legion
Mary Frances Aks - Southdown Ponds
Olive Attwell - St John's Field
Arthur Barker - All Saints Church garden
Gladys Barker - All Saints Church garden
Jane Barrett, in Westfield Cemetery
Christine Bates - in Westfield Cemetery
Dee Billing - Cricket ground
Bob Bradbury, Auxiliary Fireman - Rothamsted Park, football pitches
Clive Ernest Bygrave, near Rothamsted Park gates
Raminder Chena - Lydekker Park
Mari Louth C ook, on the Common near the Public Halls
Fred and Millie Cox, Baalamb trees
Paul Crake, Harpenden Lions, Rothamsted Park football ground
Bill Crombie, Marquis Lane fields
Mrs Snowdon Crossley, by the Cricket Ground
Arthur and Stella Dalton, Eastmoor Park, near Upper Cravells Road junction
D Parrott
Godfrey Dean, by the Baalamb trees
The Dennehy family - on the Common beyond the cricket ground
Michael Doyle, Fountain Square
Ann Drysdale, Rothamsted Park football ground
Rev. William and Mrs Elliott, in the Sensory Garden
David James Falder, on Leyton Green
Dot and Maurice Evans, by the Cricket Ground
Ron Fielder, by the Cricket Ground
Johy Fryd - Harpenden Hall garden wall
Judy Fryd, on Harpenden Hall garden wall
Judy Fryd, on Fountain Square
Ian Fulton, outside Park Hall
Alice Gelling, in Westfield Cemetery
Chris Gerrard, Young Hawks, Rothamsted Park football field
Eric & Marjorie Golds on Fountain Square
Fred and Hannah Golds on Fountain Square
Aland and Fred Golds, by the Southdown ponds
Elizabeth Hardy, by the Baalamb trees
Tony Hardy, in Westfield Cemetery
Irene Harmer, St Nicholas church garden
Arthur Robert Hassell, by the Cricket Ground
George Higgins, on Fountain Square
Micheal Hill, Beessonend Lane
James Holdaway, Lydekker Park
Gill Hollier, Lydekker Park
Josephine Jenkins, by the Cricket Ground
'Joyce' - by the Rothamsted Park playgroundd
Alan Kershaw, by the Cricket Ground
Gladys and Jack Kiff - outside Southdown Co-op
Leo - with a message in French, near the Swimming Pool, Rothamsted Park
John Lines, on the Common near Queens Road
Hilda Lydekker - Lydekker Park
Jim and Eileen Manger, Lydekker Park
Michael Marr, by the Cricket Ground
Edward & Brenda Martin, St John's field
Gerald McGuiness, St John's field
Phyllis McNeill. St Nicholas garden
Cllr Dorothy Mills, Harpenden Town Hall
Eric and Joan Miller - Rothamsted Park football ground. Dr Eric Miller was Secretary of Harpenden & District Local History Society for many years
Cllr Phyllis Moore, Sensory Garden
David Moore, Common outside St John's church
Peter & Barbara New, Fountain Square
Richard & Hazel Offer, Leyton Green
Ralph Oliver, beside the Cricket Ground
Mrs E Pare - outside Harpenden Hall
Dorothy & Frederick Pearce, Church Green
Frank Popplewell, on the Common near the British Legion
Caroline & Gregory Poupard, Church Green
Adam Prince, beside the Brickle/Prickle Dells
Jean & Philip Reed - on the Common near Rivers Lodge
Margaret Reeves - in Westfield Cemetery
Nan & Bob Renwick, beside Harpenden Trust Hall
Freifrau Witrud von Richthofen. in the Jeakings Rose Garden, Rothamsted Park
Florence Roberts, in the Sensory Garden
Ann Rowe - Rothamsted Park football ground
Jill Saunders, St Nicholas garden
Susan Scriverner - St Nicholas churchyard
Roy Simmons - in Westfield Cemetery
Peter Sensky, Lydekker Park
Enid Slaughter, in St Nicholas garden
Hilda & Leonard Smith, on the Common near Rivers Lodge
Cynthia Southern - top of the Lime Avenue, Rothamsted Park
Sarah Spells, by the Brickle/Prickle Dells
Ian James Sterrett, beside the Cricket Ground
Doris Irene Sylvester, by the Southdown Ponds
Alan Stevens - in Westfield Cemetery
Mary Stevens - in Westfield Cemetery
Russell & Peggy Taylor, on the Common (Hayfield)
Harold John Thurlow, beside the Cricket Ground
Sarah Louise Torrens, on Church Green
Alderman Vic Truss - Harpenden High Street
Arthur (Bucky) Ward, beside the Silver Cup
George & Alice Wilkin, Silver Cup car-park
Chris Wroe - middle of the Lime Avenue, Rothamsted Park