Coordinates: 51°56′49″N 0°16′59″W / 51.947°N 0.283°W / 51.947; -0.283

Hitchin
Hitchin Market Place
Hitchin  Hitchin shown within Hertfordshire
Population	30,360
OS grid reference	TL181292
District	North Hertfordshire
Shire county	Hertfordshire
Region	East
Country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	HITCHIN
Postcode district	SG4, SG5
Dialling code	01462
Police	Hertfordshire
Fire	Hertfordshire
Ambulance	East of England
EU Parliament	East of England
UK Parliament	Hitchin and Harpenden
List of places: UK • England • Hertfordshire

Hitchin Parish Church

Hitchin is a market town in Hertfordshire, England, with an estimated population of 30,360.

History[link]

Hitchin is first noted as the central place of the Hicce people mentioned in a 7th century document^[1], the Tribal Hidage. The tribal name is Brittonic rather than Old English and derives from *siccā, meaning 'dry', which is perhaps a reference to the local stream, the Hiz. It has been suggested that Hitchin was the location of Clofeshoh, the place chosen in 673 by Archbishop Theodore of Tarsus during the Synod of Hertford, the first nationwide meeting of representatives of the fledgling Catholic churches of Anglo-Saxon England, to hold annual synods of the churches as Theodore attempted to consolidate and centralise Catholicism in England.^[2] By 1086 Hitchin is described as a Royal Manor in the Domesday Book: the feudal services of Avera and Inward, usually found in the eastern counties, especially Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire,^[3] were due from the sokemen,^[4] but the manor of Hitchin was unique in levying Inward.^[4] Evidence has been found to suggest that the town was once provided with an earthen bank and ditch fortification^[5], probably in the early tenth century^[6] but this did not last. The modern spelling 'Hitchin' first appears in 1618^[7] in the "Hertfordshire Feet of Fines".

Panel representing the foundational history of Hitchin mentioning: King Offa, the River Hiz and the Hicce tribe. Now on the front of Hitchin Library, it was on the Sainsburys on Brand Street until the supermarket relocated to the Bancroft area.

The name of the town also is associated with the small river that runs through the town, most picturesquely in front of the east end of St. Mary's Church, the town's parish church. The river is noted on maps as the River Hiz. Contrary to how most people now pronounce the name, that is to say phonetically, the 'z' was an abbreviated character for a 'tch' sound, as in the name of the town. It would have been pronounced 'River Hitch'.

Hitchin is notable for St. Mary’s Church, which is remarkably large for a town of its size. The size of the church is evidence of how Hitchin prospered from the wool trade. It is the largest parish church in Hertfordshire^{[citation needed]}. Most of the church dates from the 15th century, with its tower dating from around 1190. During the laying of a new floor in the church in 1911, foundations of a more ancient church building were found. In form, they appear to be a basilican church of a 7th century type, with a later enlarged chancel and transepts, perhaps added in the 10th century. This makes the church older than the story (not recorded before the 15th century) that the church was founded by Offa, king of Mercia 757-796.

In 1697, Hitchin (and the nearby village of Offley) were subject to what is thought to have been the most severe hailstorm in recorded British history. Hailstones over 4 inches in diameter were reported^[8]

The town flourished on the wool trade, and located near the Icknield Way and by the 17th century Hitchin was a staging post for coaches coming from London. By the middle of the 19th century the railway had arrived, and with it a new way of life for Hitchin. The corn exchange was built in the market place and within a short time Hitchin established itself as a major centre for grain trading.

The latter half of the 20th century has also brought great changes in communication to Hitchin. Motorways have shortened the journey time and brought Luton, a few miles away on the M1, and the A1 (M) even closer. By the close of the 20th century, Hitchin had become a satellite dormitory town for London. Hitchin also developed a fairly strong Sikh community based around the Walsworth area.

During the medieval period, both a priory (Newbigging, now known as The Biggin) and a friary (now known as Hitchin Priory) were established, both of which closed during Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries. They were never reformed, although The Biggin was for many years used as almshouses.

Hitchin is home to the world’s only known complete Lancasterian Schoolroom, which was built in 1837 to teach boys by the Lancasterian method (peer tutoring).

It is locally reputed that Henry VIII nearly died in a fire in Hitchin. It is also alleged that Henry VIII, when he was fitter, thought he was able to pole vault over the local river, the River Hiz. However, he had grown somewhat fatter than he knew, and the pole snapped from underneath him. He fell into the river, much to the amusement of his servants. This event is commemorated on the sign of the Buck's Head [1] pub in nearby Little Wymondley. Whatever the truth of this story, it is known however that Henry VIII did hunt in the area around Hitchin and practised archery on Butts Close.^{[citation needed]}

Government[link]

Hitchin is in the local government district of North Hertfordshire which was formed in 1974 by the amalgamation of rural and urban councils. There is now no town council in Hitchin,^[9] and residents now elects 13 members to the North Hertfordshire District Council. There are five electoral wards in Hitchin: Bearton, Highbury, Oughton, Priory and Walsworth.

It is within the Hitchin and Harpenden constituency for representation in the Parliament of the United Kingdom. In the 2010 general election, Peter Lilley of the Conservative Party was elected. Between 1983 and 1997 Hitchin was included in the North Hertfordshire constituency. Before that it was in the Hitchin constituency.

Hitchin is within the East of England constituency of the European Parliament which currently elects 7 MEPs. Prior to 1999 and the adoption of proportional representation, Hitchin was in the Hertfordshire constituency.

Transport[link]

Hitchin railway station is on the Great Northern Line, to which the Cambridge Line connects just north of the station. There are direct connections to London, Stevenage, Peterborough, and Cambridge. Journeys to London and Cambridge both last approximately 30 minutes on the Express services. Stevenage is only 5 minutes away and Peterborough is typically 45 minutes distance in journey-time.

The A505, A600 and A602 roads intersect in Hitchin, which is about three miles from the A1(M) motorway and about ten miles from the M1 motorway.

Education[link]

There are several primary schools in Hitchin. Secondary education is provided at Hitchin Girls' School, Hitchin Boys' School and the Priory School. There is a campus of the North Hertfordshire College in Hitchin, and it is also the home of the Benslow Music Trust which provides music education for adults.

Hitchin Museum and Art Gallery has an extensive collection that tells the story of the town’s social history and of the rural industries that contributed to its prosperity. The British Schools Museum is housed in original Edwardian and Victorian school buildings.

Culture and community[link]

Hitchin is the venue for the annual Rhythms of the World festival. Now in its twentieth year, over 140 acts performed in 2011, with acts from India, Cuba, Australia, Congo, China, Senegal, Singapore and Germany taking part.^[10] Once the largest free festival of world music in Europe, an entry fee has been charged since 2008. It is part of the three week Hitchin Festival which includes picnics, concerts, theatre, ghost walks, art exhibitions, comedy club, summer fetes and fireworks.^[11]

There are a number of organisations for young people, including air, army and sea cadets and various scouting groups.

Hitchin is twinned with:

• Nuits-St-Georges, France
• Bingen am Rhein, Germany

Sport in Hitchin[link]

Hitchin Rugby Club is a non-profit organisation whose mission is to participate in and promote the sport of rugby union at all age levels within the Hitchin area. This includes Mini/ Midi (U7-U12), Youth (U13-U17), Colts (U19), Seniors (19+), Vets (35+) and Ladies. Hitchin RFC has a 50+ year relationship with the town of Hitchin, having been founded in 1954. See the history section for more. Highlights have included playing at Twickenham in the final of the national Junior RFU Cup in 1993 and the establishment of the country's first Academy. Currently their membership stands at over 500 people, including active and associate members. They have a community development programme and a Mini & Junior Section. Hitchin RFC runs 4 adult mens teams, 1 adult women's team, and mini and youth rugby teams at all ages.

Hitchin Town F.C. was established in 1865 and later reformed in 1928. It is one of only three clubs who competed in the first ever FA Cup and still do so now. The club is the biggest sporting entity in the town.

Hitchin is also home to Blueharts Hockey Club [2], a leading club since 1946.

It also houses Hitchin Cricket Club, which has been an important cricket club within the area since 1866.

Hitchin has a local swimming club, Hitchin Swimming Club [3], which competes at local level, county and regional level.

The Hitchin Nomads Cycling Club [4], which caters for many competitive and non-competitive cycling disciplines was formed in the town in 1934. It is affiliated to British Cycling, the Cyclists' Touring Club, Cycling time trials and local cycling associations.

Formed in 2003 and known as FVS TRI until November 2009, Team Trisports [5] is a Hitchin based triathlon club. In addition to triathlon, the club is affiliated to England Athletics and British Cycling.

Districts of Hitchin[link]

• Bearton
• Benslow
• Poets Estate
• Purwell
• Sunnyside
• Walsworth
• West Hitchin
• Westmill

Nearby settlements[link]

Ickleford is a village situated on the northern outskirts of Hitchin, and to the south is St Ippolyts, Charlton and Gosmore. The nearest towns are Luton, Letchworth and Stevenage.

Notable people who have lived in Hitchin[link]

Filmography[link]

Part of the 2010 BBC TV series Just William was filmed at the British Schools Museum.^[13]

Miscellaneous[link]

In 1960 Hitchin Urban District Council was the first in Britain to introduce 'black bags' for refuse collection.

Actor and comedian Bob Hope "claimed to have inherited his sense of humour from his paternal grandfather from Hitchin".^[14]

See also[link]

• British Schools Museum (Hitchin)

References[link]

External links[link]

• Hitchin Historical Society
• Hitchin Society
• Hitchin Forum, a non-political organization to maintain and enhance Hitchin’s special character.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Hitchin

Dev Hynes
Dev Hynes at Primavera Sound Festival in Barcelona, Spain in May 2008
Background information
Birth name	Devonté Hynes
Also known as	Lightspeed Champion Blood Orange
Born	(1985-12-23) 23 December 1985 (age 26) Houston, Texas
Origin	United Kingdom
Genres	Indie pop, folk, baroque pop, country, funk, soul
Instruments	Vocals, cello, guitar, piano, drums, violin, bass
Years active	2005–present
Labels	Domino Records
Associated acts	CANT The New Tom Cruise Film Whirlwind Heat Lightspeed Heat Test Icicles NLS Crew Hope of the States Florence and the Machine Emmy the Great Arctic Monkeys The Horrors Pun Lovin' Criminals Eugene McGuinness Jack Peñate We Are Scientists The Wombats Diana Vickers
Website	www.lightspeedchampion.com

Devonté Hynes (born 23 December 1985 in Houston, Texas), better known as Lightspeed Champion or Blood Orange, is a British composer, songwriter, producer, artist and author, who has written for artists such as Florence and the Machine, Diana Vickers and The Chemical Brothers on their 2007 Grammy award winning album We Are The Night. He is currently signed to Domino Records.^[1]

Hynes was born in Houston, Texas but was raised in Essex, England from the age of 2. He was educated at the Chadwell Heath Foundation School, now known as Chadwell Heath Academy. He currently resides in New York. The name 'Lightspeed Champion' comes from a series of comic strips Hynes drew as a teenager in his school mathematics books.^[2] Hynes was voted the 49th 'coolest person in rock' in NME's 2007 Cool List,^[3] jumping to position 20 in the following year's list.^[4] From their formation in 2004 until their break-up in 2006, Hynes was a member of the band Test Icicles, playing guitar, synth, and occasionally performing vocals. The band were known for their blisteringly crazy and diverse music and for their raucous live performances. They released only one full-length album (For Screening Purposes Only) in 2005.

[edit] Falling off the Lavender Bridge

In early 2007, Hynes recorded his debut album in Omaha, Nebraska with Saddle Creek producer Mike Mogis, most famous for his involvement with the band Bright Eyes. A number of Omaha-based musicians appear on the record, including Mogis himself, trumpet player and pianist Nate Walcott (also of Bright Eyes), The Faint's drummer Clark Baechle and guest vocalist Emmy The Great - along with moonlighting members of Cursive and Tilly And The Wall.^[5]

These recording sessions resulted in the single "Galaxy of the Lost", released on July 30, 2007, and the album Falling off the Lavender Bridge, released on January 21, 2008.^[6]

Hynes has also recorded a number of bootlegs and unofficial releases, made available to the public through his blog and MySpace.^[1] These include an album written and recorded entirely in a day and an EP consisting only of covers of Green Day songs.

Writing and Producing for other artists[link]

Hynes has also written and contributed songs to a number of other acts. His arrangements and vocals have appeared on songs by The Chemical Brothers ("All Rights Reversed", from 2007's Grammy award winning album We Are The Night which entered the UK Albums Chart at #1), Basement Jaxx (on their album Scars^[7]), as well as Florence and the Machine for her #1 album Lungs and Solange Knowles.

He has co-written and produced songs for Diana Vickers.^[8] on Songs from the Tainted Cherry Tree which debuted at #1 on the UK Albums Chart.

He has also produced and written songs for the forthcoming Theophilus London album including the Lovers Holiday e.p.

Hynes also has contributed music to the film MacGruber, released summer 2010, including the duet "Rock My Body" with SNL cast member Kristen Wiig.

In late 2011 he produced Australian noise pop duo Bleeding Knees Club's debut album Nothing To Do, which was released March 2, 2012.

He is currently in the studio working on the new Solange Knowles album.

Soundtrack and classical performances[link]

In December 2008, Hynes was asked on behalf of The British Film Institute to perform the Soundtrack of the cult Hal Ashby film Harold And Maude after a screening of the performance. Hynes then had to cancel this due to an operation he had to undergo on his throat. The event was rescheduled for May 2009. In July 2009 Hynes will reprise the soundtrack and perform at Latitude Festival.

In June 2009 Hynes performed at The Barbican in London in commemoration of the composer Moondog. Singing renditions along with London Saxophonic of songs from the Moondog Album "Sax Pax For A Sax". He also sung "Fujiyama part 2" backed by The Britten Sinfonia conducted by André De Ridder and Andi Toma (Mouse On Mars).

In April 2010 Hynes returned to The Barbican to perform with The Triffids for a special concert in honor of their singer Dave McComb along with Warren Ellis, Tindersticks and members of The Brian Jonestown Massacre.

In December an ep titled "Bye Bye" was released in collaboration with composer Van Dyke Parks.

Touring[link]

This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (February 2011)

The touring band for the Falling off the Lavender Bridge album at various points consisted of friends of Hynes' from other bands, including Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine, and UK singer-songwriter Emmy the Great. Mike Siddell, formerly of Hope of the States, plays violin with the band. He is a prolific musician and a core member of the Brighton based Willkommen Collective, playing with Willkommen bands such as Sons of Noel and Adrian, The Leisure Society and The Miserable Rich. He also plays with Troubles and made a guest appearance on the debut EP by A Genuine Freakshow.^[9]

Anna Prior, formerly of Leeds bands Dead Disco and The Ivories, played drums for most of the tour.^[10] Other guest members to have contributed in live shows include Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys, Faris Badwan of The Horrors, Frederick Blood-Royale of Ox.Eagle.Lion.Man,^[11] Jack Peñate and Eugene McGuinness as well as We Are Scientists' Keith Murray on Late Night with Conan O'Brien on June 6, 2009.

Backed by a full band he appeared at the NME 2008 Awards, broadcast on Channel 4 on February 29, 2008, dressed as characters from Star Wars, including Princess Leia on the drums. The band's affinity with Star Wars continued when they played the main theme to the trilogy at O2 Wireless Festival 2008.^[12] Hynes and a violinist Mike Siddell began a short U.S. tour in March 2008, ending with an appearance at SXSW 2008. At SXSW they befriended The Wombats, and ultimately supported them at a Royal Albert Hall concert. Hynes also performed with We Are Scientists at Glastonbury 2008, with latter's front man Keith Murray joking to Zane Lowe in a post-show interview that "he owed us a sandwich!".^{[citation needed]} Hynes appeared at Belgian music festival Pukkelpop in August 2008.^{[citation needed]}

By the end of what became a two year touring period, Hynes had suffered severe damage to his throat, and had to undergo extensive surgery.^{[citation needed]}

He then took a lengthy two and a half year hiatus from touring, popping up occasionally to play shows in New York and a top billed slot at the Carling Festival in 2009. He returned for a 2 week European tour in June 2010. The touring band for that tour consisted of the band Spacekamp who are also the backing band for Adam Green.^{[citation needed]}

On April 9, 2012, he embarked on a tour as Blood Orange opening for Florence + The Machine.

Books[link]

In March 2008 Hynes self-published a small comic book titled I'm Asleep - Comics, Photographs and Illustrations to mark the release of Falling off the Lavender Bridge. It featured comics by himself, Ferry Gouw, Faris Badwan of The Horrors and Gary Card, and photography by Hynes.

June 2009 saw the release of the book Punk Fiction: An Anthology of Short Stories Inspired by Punk, which featured a short story by Hynes titled "The KKK Took My Baby Away..." (from the Ramones song of the same name), described as a "comedy sci-fi monologue". Proceeds from the book went to the Teenage Cancer Trust.^[13]

In October 2009 he also contributed two comics and stories to the group CTRL.ALT.SHIFT's comic anthology as well as being a judge with Marjane Satrapi in judging a national comic competition where winners had to adapt a script written by Hynes. Hynes contributed the stories "Behold, King Listpin III" and "Juice This!". The anthology is titled "Unmasks Corruption". There was a gallery exhibition at London's Lazerides Gallery to coincide with the event which launched at Comica.

His first collection of short stories titled "Bad Era Of Me : A Collection Of Short Stories by Devonté Hynes" is scheduled to be released by February 2010.

Blood Orange[link]

With Lightspeed Champion on effective haitus, Dev decided to concentrate on a new musical project more focused on electronica called 'Blood Orange'.

Various Blood Orange live performances have taken place in New York and London within November and December 2009, consisting of Hynes, a guitar, and a laptop.

On December 17, 2009, Hynes performed a Blood Orange song titled "Forget It" on the final It's On With Alexa Chung show on MTV. He performed to a backing track dressed in a wizard costume.

Hynes' debut single under the moniker Blood Orange, "Dinner", was released in January on Terrible records, with an accompanying video directed by Alan Del Rio that debuted on Pitchfork TV. Following this, his full-length record Coastal Grooves was released in August 2011 on Domino records.^[14] Two tracks from the album, "Sutphin Boulevard" and "Forget It", were released as singles.

The Blood Orange song "Sutphin Boulevard" featured in the January 17, 2011 premiere episode of the MTV show Skins.^[15]

Discography[link]

Lightspeed Champion[link]

Studio albums[link]

EPs[link]

Singles[link]

Official bootlegs[link]

Blood Orange[link]

Studio albums[link]

Remix albums[link]

Singles[link]

Bibliography[link]

• "I'm Asleep - Comics, Photographs and Illustrations", March 2008
• "Punk Fiction : An anthology of short stories inspired by Punk", June 2009
• "CTRL.ALT.SHIFT : Unmasks Corruption", November 2009
• "Bad Era Of Me : A Collection Of Short Stories by Devonté Hynes", February 2010

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official website
• Lightspeed Champion on Myspace
• Hynes' YouTube page
• Lightspeed Champion Live Session at CNETTV
• Lightspeed Champion Interview on Platforms Magazine
• Lightspeed Champion live set at Spanking New Sessions
• Lightspeed Champion covers Michael Jackson
• Live Photos @ The Troubadour (July 2008)