Hitchin Town

Club History

Who are Hitchin Town

To give them their dues, Hitchin Town are going to take some beating when it comes to age. The club’s roots go way back to 1865 when Hitchin FC were formed. That club even had the honour of taking part in the first-ever version of the FA Cup. But, in terms of continuity, it depends how much slack you want to give them. Ultimately, the records do say that ‘Hitchin Town’ were actually formed in 1928; the same year they decided upon Canaries as their badge thing. It’s a tough one innit…

If 1928 is the start of the Town tale, then it kicks off in the Spartan League. Not until 1939 did they make a switch; an awkward sense of timing taking them into the Athenian League just as it all got naughty on the world stage. A belated introduction to full Athenian League life saw them be wildly inconsistent. By finishing as runners-up in 1954, they had managed to revitalise their fortunes within the two years since they finished bottom of the table. Anyway, it wouldn’t be until the 1960s when they’d finish inside the top six again. See – inconsistent!

Why do we know the Canaries?

In 1963, the Canaries opted to sign up to the Isthmian League, the 1968-9 campaign brought their best-ever finish; second behind Enfield at the final reckoning. But the next step would elude them. Eventually, a new neighbour from Stevenage would catch them up. Sure – the first few encounters saw the Canaries come out on top. We’d happily forget our 7-1 defeat in the 1982-3 Woolwich Trophy. But the tables started to turn and we started to gradually make ourselves known. And it was almost inevitable that we’d play our friends from up the A602 sooner rather than later.

How to get to Hitchin Town

By Car

By Road

One of our closest neighbours isn’t too much trouble to get to by car. Using Junction 8 of the A1(M) as our starting point, take the A602 to Hitchin. As you come to a roundabout, take the third exit to stay on the A602; bypassing the town centre. Continue onto the next roundabout and take the second exit for the A505 towards Henlow.

A further half-a-mile down the road is a mini-roundabout. Take the third exit for Fishponds Rd/A505. The ground is on the left.

By Rail

By Rail

Station: HITCHIN
Services to: STEVENAGE

Leave the station and turn right. You’ll come to a roundabout, where you need to turn left; taking the A505 (Nightingale Road). Continue on for about 0.8 miles. This involves going over three roundabouts. The ground is then on the right.

Parking

Parking

We don’t think you can use the car park at the ground if you’re a fan. So, you may wish to try a side street where no restrictions apply. It might also be that you can park up on Butts Close opposite the ground.