Live, Work and Play

Books about history using real life memories recorded specifically for the purpose are rare, 'Live, Work & Play' is just such a book. Created from the hundreds of reminiscences of the residents of the town gathered by the WGC Heritage Trust and put into historical context by Prof Mark Clapson , one of the UK's leading social historians, the book offers a unique insight into the creation of the UK's second garden city.

Timed to appear at the start of 2020, when Welwyn Garden City achieves its 100th year, the history of Sir Ebenezer Howard’s final masterpiece, with all its imperfections, is laid out for all to read. Now thriving and at ease with itself WGC is an example of how to create homes for its community. Created as a Garden City in 1920, developed as a New Town from 1948 the lessons it offers are invaluable to both developers and governments alike.

About the Author

Professor Mark Clapson is a much published and frequently cited writer on social change and urban development. Educated at the Universities of Lancaster and Warwick, his research interests include garden cities and new towns, the Blitz and urban reconstruction, and suburbanisation. He has been translated into Dutch, French, Italian and Japanese, and has appeared on radio and television taking about his research and publications. For this book he has worked with Welwyn Garden City Heritage Trust.

15 colour and 15 b/w illustrations