37. Letchworth Garden City

We joined a local Historian who was rather surprised that such a large group of ‘young’ people were interested in hearing about the first Garden City. We learned about Ebenezer Howard, Victorian Socialist Reformer who aimed to create a place where citizens could escape the unhealthy, overcrowded urban areas but still have access to jobs and livelihoods. He envisioned a place that offered the the best of both – the opportunity of the city and the fresh air and open spaces of the countryside. Ebenzer was a quiet revolutionary in that he made the connection between the design of our cities and the health of populations. The Garden City Association was set up with support of Quakers and philanthropy groups such as the Cadbury association. Raymond Unwin and Parker Architects tested out this vision in built form with the design for Letchworth. They were also passionate that good architecture should be available to everyone and aspired to create beautiful and practical homes set within communities that promoted social cohesion. We walked around the trademark Garden cities avenues and cul-de-sacs with grass verges. We had a look at the community allotments which although were looking a little worse for wear provide a pleasant outlook from the rear of houses. The grand Spirella Factory reminded us that Letchworth was a working place and contains all the things that community required; however we learned that as the place was founded by those who advocated ‘temperance’ the place did not have a public house as we know it, except for the ‘skittles inn’ a pub with no beer which served “fellowship, rest and recreation” in place of ale!