Our Sopwell history book

Sopwell History BookAfter three years of research into Sopwell’s history, including collecting memories from local residents, Sandy Norman, on behalf of the Sopwell Residents Association (SRA), published Sopwell: a History and collection of memories in May 2012.

The book starts with Sopwell’s medieval beginnings and ends in the 20th century, and covers the industries in the area, the early roads and pre-war estates, the war years and the post-war estates. The final chapter covers what people did for fun: recreational activities.

The SRA published the book themselves despite having no income, relying on small grants and donations from local organisations and individuals, and eventual sales.

Sopwell: a history and collection of memories.

  • Author: Sandy Norman
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 144 pages
  • Dimensions: 298 x 210 x 7 mm
  • Published: May 2012
  • Publisher: Kate Bretherton, on behalf of Sopwell Residents Association
  • ISBN-10: 0-9567399-1-1
  • ISBN-13: 978-0-9567399-1-9
  • Normal retail price: £15.00
  • Current on-line selling price: £12.00 with free P&P !!!

Table of contents – page 1
Table of contents – page 2

Sopwell History bookThe book is on sale in St Albans at Waterstones bookshop, the Verulamium museum, the Tourist Information Centre and Sopwell House hotel. However, you can also buy it on-line here, for delivery anywhere in the UK. Simply click the Buy Now button.

But if you want the book delivered outside the UK, then please contact us first, with the full postal address where the book needs to be sent, so we can determine the correct postage and packing, and advise you how to proceed.

Note: any profits made are ploughed back into the SRA bank account to be used to continue the project and for use in the community.

Comments

  1. Barbara Nichols

    I have an ex racing greyhound called Sopwell Maggie and I see on your website that you had a lady that lived there and ran the petrol station called Maggie. I wondered if you could tell me more about her. Thankyou. Barbara

    Reply
    • Sandy Norman

      Hi Barbara, I asked the question on Facebook and I was told that petrol station was originally Godfrey and Smith Ltd. Then it was bought out by Grimaldi Garages and was called G & S Ver Garages . This was in the sixties. It later became part of McGill Automotive. There was no mention of a Maggie so it looks like Maggie was actually McGill. Where on the website did you see the reference to “Maggie”? Sandy.

      Reply

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