Prof Stephen Ward launches new research

Stephen Ward, Professor of Planning History at Oxford Brookes University, talked about his latest research into the legacy of Ebenezer Howard, at the International Garden Cities Institute.

In his new book, The Peaceful Path: Building Garden Cities and New Towns, he honours the special place that Hertfordshire occupies on the peaceful path, beginning with the development of Letchworth and Welwyn Garden Cities.  

Both were established with Howard's personal involvement and slowly achieved most of his aims of providing cheap and healthy homes, workplaces and green spaces in balance in cohesive new communities, underpinned by radical ideas about collective land ownership.

This is not just a work of history, as The Peaceful Path also examines the contemporary relevance of Howard's vision. 

The book was launched at a special event in the Institute gardens last week.