In partnership with

If you live in Hitchin, chances are you’ve either passed through its train station or at least felt its presence in the town’s rhythm. Sitting just a mile from the town centre, Hitchin Station has been more than just a place to catch a train, it’s been a key player in shaping the town’s identity for over 170 years.

A Gateway Since 1850

The station first opened its doors in August 1850, a product of the railway boom that was transforming Britain. Hitchin was already known as a staging post for coaches running to and from London, but the arrival of the railway elevated the town into a true transport hub. Goods, services, and people flowed more freely than ever, and Hitchin’s reputation as a trading landmark was secured.

Being positioned roughly midway between London and Cambridge gave the town an enviable advantage, drawing travellers, traders, and commuters in equal measure. The line was particularly popular for intercity journeys until 1973, when the opening of Stevenage Station diverted some of the traffic.

Looking for unbiased, fact-based news? Join 1440 today.

Join over 4 million Americans who start their day with 1440 – your daily digest for unbiased, fact-centric news. From politics to sports, we cover it all by analyzing over 100 sources. Our concise, 5-minute read lands in your inbox each morning at no cost. Experience news without the noise; let 1440 help you make up your own mind. Sign up now and invite your friends and family to be part of the informed.

Subscribe to 1440 today.

A Station Reborn

The station as we know it today is largely the result of a 1911 rebuild by Great Northern, a project that gave the building its enduring character. This heritage has been recognised with its listing as a Building of Local Interest, a nod to its architectural and historical significance.

One of its quirkiest connections to local life is the Cabbies’ Hut, dating back to 1910. Gifted to Hitchin by John and Patsy Myatt, and linked to the local taxi firm Boxall, the hut was originally stationed right outside Hitchin Station until 1976. Today, you’ll find it in Market Place, lovingly restored thanks to the efforts of the Hitchin Historical Society.

Modernisation with a Mind for Safety

The 21st century brought new priorities. In 2007, Hitchin Station joined the Secure Stations Scheme, a nationwide initiative developed with the British Transport Police and the Department for Transport. The scheme looked at everything from crime prevention and station management to how safe passengers felt on site.

First Capital Connect spearheaded a major upgrade, adding CCTV coverage, improving lighting, installing automatic ticket gates, and refurbishing the subway that links the platforms. That refurbishment alone cost £300,000, underscoring the scale of the investment.

In August 2021, the subway got another transformation, this time more cultural than structural. Working with photographs from the North Herts Museum, community and environmental charity Groundwork East installed two 15-metre-long murals. These vivid panels tell the story of Hitchin from the mid-19th century to today, turning the everyday commute into a visual journey through the town’s history.

Why It Still Matters

Hitchin Station is more than a building, it’s a physical link between the town’s past and future. It speaks to a heritage of movement, trade, and connection, yet it continues to adapt for the needs of modern passengers. Whether you’re heading into London for work, travelling up to Cambridge for study, or simply crossing the platforms under those murals, you’re part of a story that’s still being written.

It’s a reminder that in Hitchin, the station isn’t just where journeys start and end, it’s where the town itself has kept moving for nearly two centuries.

Thanks for Reading!

Have questions or suggestions to improve our newsletter? Got a story to share? Email us at [email protected].

Love the newsletter? ☕
Support it by buying me a coffee! Your contribution helps keep this weekly resource alive and thriving. Thank you!

Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

P.S. Want to sponsor our newsletter? Email us at [email protected]