Luton is full of iconic buildings, many of which have played an important part in the history and development of Luton. Following the success of our Luton Peace Riots projects and continuing the theme of exploring the diverse heritage of Luton we have identified and will be exploring the history of 4 selected buildings in Luton and also the iconic Hat Industry for which Luton is world famous.

There is considerable interest in the history of a number of buildings in Luton as well as those that supported the extensive Hat Industry as well as the Hat Industry in itself.  We are also very interested in family stories about how you and your relatives remember using these buildings. For each of the buildings we have / will be capturing and recording stories about how use of the buildings has changed over the generations. We also partnered with a number of local schools with the aim of introducing Luton’s heritage to a new generation of Lutonians as part of Key Stage 2 working within the national curriculum requirements.

As the project progresses we will update the pages on this website but in the meantime we very much welcome any memories you have and would like to share. Please contact us via our Facebook page or by email: steve.goodman@culturalhistories.org or mike.mcmahon@culturalhistories.org

Project A: Iconic Luton Buildings

The three buildings we have chosen for this project are:

• 116 Bury Park Road, now an Islamic learning centre but previously the town’s synagogue and before that a cinema and a factory manufacturing aircraft propellers. For this building we have been working with the Foxdell Schools Federation and particularly Foxdell Infant and Junior and Dallow Primary Schools.
• 31 Cardigan Street, now a Sikh Gurudwara but previously a Methodist church and a Welsh Congregational church
• Chapel Langley Nursery School, located at the botttom of Farley Hill, previously a primary school

More details can be found on the page devoted to this project: 3 Iconic Buildings

Project B: The Hat Industry

This project, which is supported by the National Heritage Lottery Fund, is about introducing our local Luton heritage to school students through researching the town’s history and capturing individual family stories connected to those buildings.

In partnership with local schools and the University of Bedfordshire national curriculum standard classroom learning material will be developed for primary and high school children.

The focus of this project is centred around the history of the hat industry in Luton, how and why it developed, grew, and eventually declined over the years.

The classroom material and discussions will explore the impact off migration to the town as well as the impact of climate change.

More details can be found on the page devoted to this project: Luton’s Hat Industry

Project C: Denbigh High School (Formally Luton High School for Girls)

This project, supported by organizations such as the Beds and Luton Community Foundation and the Heritage Fund, aimed to celebrate Denbigh High School’s century-long legacy and its cultural impact on the community.

Denbigh High School, located on Alexandra Avenue, has a rich history dating back to 1919, when the site was first purchased by the Council. Initially established as the Luton Modern School for Girls, it began in repurposed army huts before a permanent building was constructed in 1930. In 1944, the school became a grammar school and was renamed Luton High School for Girls, following the introduction of selective education. With the shift to a Comprehensive School system in the 1960s, it was renamed Denbigh High School.

A new project was launched to capture and preserve the history of the school over the decades. It involved collecting stories and experiences from former students and teachers, while engaging current students in historical research. With support from the school’s Head Teacher and the CEO of the Chiltern Learning Trust, the project produced video recordings of alumni and staff sharing their memories, as well as educational materials covering the school’s history.

The initiative also fostered inter-generational dialogue, allowing students to develop their interviewing and oracy skills. The project resulted in several videos, including one highlighting the journey of Rachel Hopkins MP, a former student, and another featuring a discussion with teaching staff involved in the project. A photographic exhibition was also created as part of the school’s Enrichment Week.

More details can be found on the page devoted to this project: Denbigh High School