In the 1950s, the largely derelict and overgrown late 17th century building that was the former Lucas's Brewery on Bridge Street (that closed in 1923) was demolished to make way for the vile and unloved concrete monstrosity that was the Tax Office known as 'Crown House'. Demolition has now taken place to knock it down to make way for another development. What has been good to see, has been the recycling of the materials that made up the building. Metals and concrete etc, pulverised and re-used elsewhere. Hopefully the new development will be more in fitting with the existing characters of the surrounding buildings. (probably more expensive apartments no doubt)

Bridge Street in Hitchin takes its name from the bridge itself, crossing the River Hiz, that was built in 1784 and rebuilt in 2001. 'Bridgefoot' is also mentioned in a survey dated from 1676. At one end of Bridge Street is 'The Triangle' (because of a triangular bit of land that had a tree with railings around it) and the other end leads to The Priory and Tilehouse Street.

Earlier on in Hitchin's Medieval history, the road was known as Spital or Spittle Street as it led to Spital Field that had a Hospital on it. (Spital being a contraction of Hospital)

Just recently, someone or some business decided to clear up an area of The River Hiz that runs from The Priory to under the bridge on Bridge Street. Compare the photograph now, to only a year ago in June 2006 (below) to see how different the area is. You can now see the back of The Priory, (and a little spiral staircase) a nice design feature like a little Greek Theatre, and a nice contemporary staircase that leads up to the overhanging upper floor of the late 15th/16th century timber framed building that is now 32 Bridge Street. It is a joy to see another piece of Hitchin revealed again.