The Road Through Harpenden

[Old Hertfordshire News]

Early Motor Cars

A MOTOR-CAR, which was the subject of much attention, entered the town on Saturday night leaving, Sunday morning.

Obviously a great novelty in St Albans - but whether it came through Harpenden is not known.

Herts Advertiser 6th February 1897

The St Albans City Justices on October 17th imposed the maximum penalty of £10 and costs upon Sir Charles Lawes, Bart., for driving a motor furiously in St Peters Street, on Oct. 1st, when a pet dog, the property of a local resident, was killed. As a sequel to this unfortunate ride, Sir Charles was summoned in the St Albans County Court for the value of the dog, and was then ordered to pay £10 and costs.

One of the first motoring convictions in St Albans - involving a leading figure from Harpenden!

Herts Advertiser Year End Report, 4th January, 1902

In April 1905 there was a fatal accident at Markyate which attracted significant publicity, and the driver was sentenced to six months hard labour. There was another fatal accident near Dunstable in August 1905.

I have not identified the first fatality on the St Albans to Luton road through Harpenden.

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