Heritage

Learn more about the historical importance of Welwyn Garden City.

Becoming a member of our heritage group. No experience or heritage knowledge expected, just an interest in WGC’s heritage. The group has big ambitions this year, we are particularly looking for people to help with our pop up exhibition this summer.

We will work together with residents, developers, the local authority and other groups to ensure that the past is protected and future development adheres to garden city principles.

Famous People

Social History

Housing in the early days of Welwyn Garden City

An early challenge for the Welwyn Garden City Company, which had been incorporated to put Ebenezer Howard's plans into reality, was housing the builders, planners, and other employees.

Who was Welwyn Garden City’s Third Man?

Theodore Chambers was the maker of Welwyn Garden City. Chosen by Ebenezer Howard in 1920 to be the Chairman of the Board of WGC Ltd, Chambers played a pivotal role in the town’s development.

Sign of the times: The life of WGC signwriter Arthur Brown

Arthur made an important contribution to the look of Welwyn Garden City. Arthur’s most obvious work was the first road signs for which he designed an alphabet using the Nuneaton script.

What the LNER did for the future of garden cities

Ebenezer Howard first saw the site of Welwyn Garden from an LNER (London and North Eastern Railway) train, as he commuted from Letchworth (his first Garden City) to London, where he worked as a Parliamentary Reporter for Hansard.

How a ‘young superman’ shaped the look of WGC

One hundred years ago a decision was taken that had a profound effect on Welwyn Garden City, and on Town Planning worldwide. Ebenezer Howard bought the land in 1919; Louis de Soissons was appointed Town Planner and Chief Architect in April 1920, aged 30, and came up with his famous overall plan.

Follow the silk trail around WGC – the history of Cresta Silks

An interesting way to spend half an hour in Welwyn Garden City is to take the Cresta Walk. Start at one of the Sectional buildings on Broadwater Road, such as occupied currently by Topps Tiles. These flexible units were built by the Welwyn Garden City Company in the 1920s to attract start-up companies.

Celebrating & Protecting the Welwyn Garden City’s Heritage

Welwyn Garden City (WGC), as its name suggests, is a garden city, founded by Sir Ebenezer Howard in the 1920s following his previous experiment in Letchworth Garden City, and designed by Louis de Soissons.