Hertford revived

6 December 2013

As part of the Bridge centenary celebrations, emeritus Fellow Dr Miles Vaughan Williams has written an account of his work at the forefront of Hertford’s redevelopment during the 1950s-1970s. Hertford Revivals is available online. It includes fascinating reminiscences about what was renovated or built (OB1, the Library, Holywell Quad) and also what wasn’t (a 25m swimming pool parallel with St Helen’s Passage was discussed in 1970 but shelved as it was too close to the water table). As every gaudy from this period reveals, facilities including lavatories and showers were scarse and spartan: MVW’s memoir is highly recommended for anyone who recalls these insanitary days, as well as anyone who would like to recall previous Hertfords or imagine alternative ones.