Name/TitleAlbumen print of Holy Saviour Church, Hitchin
About this objectAlbumen print of Holy Saviour Church, Hitchin. Exterior from the west. After arriving in the town in 1852, Reverend George Gainsford spearheaded a campaign for the creation of a church for the emerging community around Hitchin's Railway Station. His vision, the Holy Saviour Church in Radcliffe Road, was consecrated on 25 May 1865.
His son the Reverend G.B. 'Bernard' Gainsford later led the church was a notable local personality, Reverend Bernard Gainsford was one of the first people in Hitchin to own a motor car. Bernard Gainsford was also a sportsman in his youth, turning out for Hitchin Town. He was also a huge influence in the early days of The Hitchin Thespians, from its beginnings in 1902 to his death in 1933. For many years he was Hitchin Thespians President and also their first Stage Manager. Bernard was also involved in local politics, acting as Chairman of the Hitchin Urban District Council from 1925-1928.
