2025 marks 20 years of The Listing, and as such, we have been looking back through our archives and are republishing a popular series which first appeared back in 2009, and bringing Royston’s history to a new audience of readers.
“A Question of Royston” covers the little-known history of Royston, as written by true Roystonian, the late Councillor F John Smith, (1932-2021).
F John Smith gave over 60 years to public service, firstly as Royston Urban District Council before it became part of North Herts Council, and on Royston Town Council. As our readers who met him will know, he was truly passionate about serving the communities he represented, and his legacy lives on in his exceptional knowledge of our town’s local history.
F John Smith researched and wrote the self-guided Royston Town Trail, and up until a few years ago, he would organise guided history walks around the town, bringing Royston’s fascinating history to life.
If you haven’t already, we encourage you to take part in the town trail and discover such areas as Dead Street – so-named because of the number of people living there who died from the Plague; the small, square key cupboard used for the coachmen to open the coaching inn gates late at night; and the building where King James I reportedly signed the death warrant of Sir Walter Raleigh.
There are two versions of the trail: the full trail takes approx. 1.5 hours, or the shortened version is approx. 45 minutes. Simply follow the 31 town trail markers in the pavements starting at Royston Parish Church.
The printed guides can be picked up from Royston Information Centre inside Royston Library, or viewed online at www.roystontown.uk/royston-town-trail-2
