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Sir Frederic Osborn

Sir Frederic Osborn (1885-1978) was, with Ebenezer Howard, one of the two most significant and influential figures in the British and International Garden Cities/ New Towns movement.
He was first employed at Letchworth in 1912, moved to WGC on its foundation in 1919, and from the 1930's onwards worked within the Town and Country Planning Association from where he was the prime mover in the campaign which resulted in the New Towns legislation after World War II.

Read more: The Osborn Archive

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The Where Do You Think You Live? project was launched in September 2010 with the aim of encouraging WGC residents to discover more about the history and development of the town.

Read more: Online Questionnaire

Gillian recently got in touch with the Trust via our Facebook page and sent us this image of her dad George Manifold in front of the factory doors of Ferramic Industries Ltd.

Read more: George Manifold & Ferramic Industries Ltd

"The real founder of the Guild was Basil Waye of Youngs Rise who had been one of the best known - and loved - beekeepers in the area for many years.

Read more: WGC Winemakers Guild - founded 1955

"Originally my grandparents moved to the new town of WGC to facilitate my aunt in setting up a dancing school. As no other halls were available at the time she was able to use the ballroom of the Cherry Tree Hotel for all her classes. 

Read more: Phyllis Kitley - Dance Lessons

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