Libraries and leisure

The Reginald Hine Collection

Reginald Hine (1883-1949) was a well-respected local historian, author and solicitor who dominated the life of Hitchin during the first half of the twentieth century.

His personal library was aquired by the County Record Office in 1951 and contains nearly 300 books realating to the county. Some of these are duplicates of library stock but often contain notes in his own hand and additional cuttings etc. Original manuscripts for some of his works can be found under reference D/Z 23

The collection is divided into 14 categories:

1) General histories and historical information on the county, including sources
2) General topography and description
3) Ecclesiastical (see also individual places and parishes)
4) Place-names
5) Social life, economic history, government etc.
6) Hertfordshire families and people, including works of local writers
7) Illustrations
8) Parish registers
9) Natural history
10) Local society publications, and other miscellanies
11) Individual parishes and places
12) Bedfordshire and other neighbouring counties
13) The Quakers
14) General reference and legal works

Please contact the Archive Reading Room for details from the full list.

The image above right is from "Essays Upon Peace at Home and War Abroad" by Charles D'Avenant, printed for James Knapton at The Crown, St Paul's Churchyard, London, 1704. The book was originally owned by Robert Hinde who has signed the inside front cover. (Reference Hine 103).