Letchworth Garden City
The world's first garden city was formed in 1905 from the villages of Letchworth, Norton and Willian to provide the perfect balance of town and country. Ebenezer Howard’s vision was to create a perfect living environment, balancing housing, industry and leisure. The ideal garden city would be planned and managed by its citizens, who would share in any profits derived from its industries. These ideals did not not last long before falling victim to selfish scheming and political maneuvering. However, Letchworth Garden City proved to be an inspiration for a better way of living for people all over the world.
Architecturally, Letchworth is the least modernist in style of the Hertfordshire new towns. The towns buildings are mainly in the dominant Arts and Crafts style of the time of its creation. Barry Parker and Raymond Unwin were the chief architects of the town, and they designed much of the cottage style housing that dominates the town. Churches provide the biggest modernist influence in LGC, with Peter Bosquanet’s 1971 St. George’s the most striking example.
Architecturally, Letchworth is the least modernist in style of the Hertfordshire new towns. The towns buildings are mainly in the dominant Arts and Crafts style of the time of its creation. Barry Parker and Raymond Unwin were the chief architects of the town, and they designed much of the cottage style housing that dominates the town. Churches provide the biggest modernist influence in LGC, with Peter Bosquanet’s 1971 St. George’s the most striking example.