Stevenage Local Information: 10 top things to know... more
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1. History
Stevenage was granted a twice weekly market and an annual fair by a decree issued in 1281. In the early 18th century, the North Road meant that 21 stage coaches passed through Stevenage every day so the town’s main trade came from the many inns on the High Street that served passing travellers. Stevenage grew slowly in the following years until 1946 when it became the first o...Read more
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2. Now
Stevenage is a town and borough that is between Letchworth Garden City and Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire. It is 30 miles north of Central London and is still growing and developing as a town.
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3. Events
Stevenage is home to a variety of events throughout the year including the Real Farm Festival where visitors can enjoy some farming fun, the Stevenage Festival of the Arts, Hatfield and District Music Festival and the Pendley Shakespeare Festival. Knebworth House near Stevenage, one of Britain’s most loved stately homes, hosts concerts including the rock festival Sonisphere.
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4. Attractions
Stevenage Museum celebrates the town’s history with exhibitions and interactive displays. You can see how people used to live in 1950s Stevenage by watching archive footage in the Museum’s mini cinema. The Museum also offers a full programme of events throughout the year for both children and adults.
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5. Things To Do
Britain’s first purpose built traffic free pedestrianised shopping zone was opened in Stevenage in 1959 by the Queen. Stevenage has a number of well known high street and independent shops and is a great place to indulge in some retail therapy. Knebworth House is a popular tourist attraction that is famous for its rock concerts and also for being the home of Edward Bulwer Lyt...Read more
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6. Business
In 1928, Stevenage began producing legendary motorcycles including Black Lighting and the Black Shadow for the Vincent HRD Motorcycle Co. Ltd. These were produced in the town until 1955. Stevenage is now home to the GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceutical Research And Development Facility which is part of the Stevenage Science Park. Stevenage is an important hub for the life sciences in...Read more
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7. Transport
Stevenage is situated to the east of junctions 7 and 8 on the A1(M) and offers excellent road and rail links to the rest of Britain.
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8. Entertainment
The George Craig Theatre offers performances throughout the year including Shakespeare plays, Pantomimes and Musicals. Knebworth House has hosted concerts from world renowned artists: those who have performed include Robbie Williams, The Who and Queen.
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9. Famous Landmarks
By the clock tower and ornamental pool in Stevenage you will find the ‘Joyride’ sculpture. This sculpture by Franta Belsky depicts a mother carrying her child and is made out of bronze. It is a Grade II listed statue.
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10. Interesting Fact
Two of Stevenage’s most unlikely famous sons are the ‘Twin Foxes’. Twins Albert Ebenezer and Ebenezer Albert Fox were convicted of poaching more than 150 times between them, but they never committed crimes together so that they could act as each other’s alibi. Commissioner of the Police of the Metropolis, Sir Edward Henry, used twins (including the Foxes) in Police test...Read more
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Stevenage Events
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01 September 2013 - 30 September 2013
Bike Festival
The Tring and Berkhamsted Bike Festival takes place on a Sunday in September every year. The event is organised by the Tring and Berkhamsted Cycling Campaign and is held at Canal Fields, Berkhamsted. Events for children during the one-day festival include free cycling ...more
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01 June 2013 - 30 June 2013
Real Farm Festival
Set in gorgeous fields and woodland at Church Farm, the Real Farm Festival offers a fun filled pastoral paradise and some good honest farming. As well as farming events and projects from young artisans, the festival also has performances from DJs and poets and plenty of ...more
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01 February 2013 - 28 February 2013
National Trust Wimpole Events
The National Trust property of Wimpole includes the country house, farm and estate, and many events take place at the site throughout the year. Local hedge layers take part in a competition at the site to win the title of Champion at Wimpole during February. Workshops ...more
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01 April 2013 - 30 April 2013
Shepreth Wildlife Park
The Shepreth Wildlife Park has a packed calendar of regular and seasonal events to keep families entertained. Photographers’ days are held at the park when visitors wanting to get that special shot are given an opportunity to enter some of the animal enclosures and g ...more
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Stevenage Marketplace
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Marnix Garner £00.00
Welcome to the Marnix Garner that Provides a web design company graphic design service and are located in the Herefordshire town of Hereford,and Pleas...
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Stevenage Blog
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Everything’s coming up roses!
Green-fingered Stevenage locals are celebrating their success at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. The Royal Horticultural Society’s annual event runs every July in the South West of London. One of the successful local entrants was Daisy Roots...
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Volunteers save dogs from death row
Highfields kennels of the Re-Homing Animal Telephone Service (R.A.T.S) in a Hertfordshire village has been offering a literal lifeline to dogs that are going to be put down. The centre is run by Mandy Guntley and Walter Gortz who...
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Swimming the Thames
A Broxbourne woman and her friends are braving the cold and swimming the murky River Thames to raise money for charity. Harriet Sullivan, Joe Morley and Sarah Davis will be taking part in the Great British Gas Swim and will join...
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New college academy back by Dragons Den star
Famous TV dragon Peter Jones is setting up a Peter Jones Enterprise Academy at North Hertfordshire College’s Hitchin centre in a bid to help young people develop their business skills and set up their own companies. Successful jewellery business owner...
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