Famous Comedian Visits Hitchin
Photograph donated by PC Derek Street
Comedian Bob Hope signs an autograph for Sergeant 102 Edgar Street and War Reserve Constable J. Cannon during a vist on 22nd November 1947 to see his grandfather who lived in Bearton Road Hitchin.
Time period
This page was added on 18/07/2018.
Add your comment about this page
Bob (real name Leslie Towns Hope 1903-2003) was born in Eltham, Royal Borough of Greenwich, London.
He emigrated with his parents William & Avis to Ohio, USA in 1907.
His Hitchin connection, and the reason for his visits, was to visit his paternal grandfather, Jim (born in Weston, nr Bath, Somerset) who lived in Hitchin until his death in 1943. His Great Uncle Percy Hope married a farmer’s daughter, Annie Doughty, from Weston near Baldock.
Great Aunt Lucy Symons lived at 146, Bearton Road, Hitchin and it was this house where the family would gather when he visited. Other photos of his visit in 1937 can be viewed on Getty Images
Not surprising since he was a Hertford lad and still has family in Hitchin if you check St Mary’s visitors book there are plenty of Hope – Whites and a relative live in Preston Village…