Stevenage, the Hertfordshire town officially designated as Britain's first new town in November 1946, is commemorating its 80th anniversary this year. Conceived as a crucial solution to London's severe post-war housing crisis, Stevenage has since carved out a unique and often surprising legacy that extends far beyond its geographical borders, reaching even to the red planet.
One of the town's most significant contributions to global science is its role in the European Space Agency's ExoMars mission. In 2019, engineers at Airbus's specialist lab in Stevenage completed the construction of the Rosalind Franklin rover. This advanced vehicle is designed to drill up to two metres beneath the Martian surface in its quest to uncover evidence of past or present life. The mission, initially slated for 2022, was postponed due to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, with a new touchdown date planned for 2030 to avoid Mars's global dust season.
Stevenage also holds a notable place in engineering history with the development of the Vincent Black Shadow motorcycle. Designed and built at the Vincent factory on Great North Road, this machine, launched in 1948, was widely advertised as the 'world's fastest standard motorcycle', boasting a top speed of approximately 125mph. Enthusiasts often refer to it as the world's first superbike, a testament to its groundbreaking speed and power. Its enduring appeal was highlighted in 2013 when a fully-restored 1952 model fetched £113,500 at a Bonhams auction.
In terms of urban planning, Stevenage was a trailblazer. It became the first town in the UK to feature a completely pedestrianised town centre, a concept met with significant opposition when first proposed. Architect Leonard Vincent recounted the strong resistance from the Multiple Traders Association to this then-radical idea. However, decades later, as pedestrianised centres became more common, Vincent received an admission of error from one of his former detractors, underscoring the town's pioneering vision.
The town's football club, Stevenage FC, has also etched its name into the sporting consciousness with memorable FA Cup encounters. In 2011, the then League Two side delivered a stunning 3-1 victory over Premier League giants Newcastle United in the third round. This upset followed a notable 1998 draw against the Magpies, a match where Newcastle manager Kenny Dalglish famously attributed his team's struggles to 'bouncy balls' and a 'bumpy pitch'. It later emerged that Dalglish himself had previously endorsed the very same brand of football.
Beyond these notable achievements, Stevenage has also been linked to an unusual 18th-century burial pact and boasts connections to figures in Formula 1, including Lewis Hamilton. These diverse stories collectively illustrate the profound and varied impact Stevenage has had across science, engineering, urban development, and sport over its eight decades.