John Cooper vividly recalls the dark days of the Second World War - air raids, rationing, Home Guard manoeuvres, prisoners of war on the doorstep and the excitement of VE Day - and the long, carefree days of post-war childhood that followed, when the pace of life was much gentler than today. The author recalls local shops, now long gone, such as Harriden's grocery store and Mr Lines the blacksmith, as well as Harpenden's two cinemas, in one of which he was briefly employed as a projectionist. Memories of the glittering Festival of Britain and Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation celebrations, together with a nostalgic journey back to Harpenden, round off this trip down memory lane, which will surely appeal to anyone interested in the history of Hertfordshire within living memory

A guided tour of the historic town of Harpenden, showing how the areas you know and love have changed over the centuries.

Harpenden: A Village in Wartime is a tribute to the wartime record of the people of the city of Chester in the two World Wars.

Beautiful postcards capture old Harpenden in all its glory.

John Cooper explores the fascinating history of Hertfordshire's historic inland waterway.

Fully illustrated description of Rickmansworth, Croxley Green and Chorleywood’s well known, and lesser known, places that have been lost over the years.

Fully illustrated description of Watford’s well known, and lesser known, places that have been lost over the years.