Harpenden street to be named after soldier Herbert Rolt

Rolt Close in Harpenden will be in honour of Herbert Robert Rolt, who served as a private in the 2nd Battalion Queens Royal West Surrey Regiment.

Private Holt, who was born in Harpenden in 1898, lost his life aged 20 after he was wounded in battle in Italy. He is buried in St Nicholas churchyard in his hometown.

In recognition of Private Holt, housing association Catalyst and Harpenden Local History Society have worked together to name a residential road on a new development.

Rolt Close will be the street for a development of 24 affordable new homes at Roan Place, next to Westfield Recreation Ground, which is due to be completed in December.

The new homes, which will be available for social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership will help local families on the housing register, and help people get on the housing ladder.

A CGI of new homes on the Roan Place development. Credit: Catalyst

Joe Marshall, Catalyst’s managing director for New Homes (Counties), said: "Reflecting an area’s history and people in the names of our developments is something that’s particularly important to us, and we’re honoured to be able to pay tribute to local hero Herbert Rolt through naming Rolt Close after him.

"As custodians of the new communities we build, incorporating and promoting local heritage into these plans is our responsibility and privilege, and provides a legacy for future generations."

The town mayor of Harpenden, Councillor Paul Cousin, said: "I am very pleased to see a new road named after Herbert Rolt.

"This is an excellent opportunity to commemorate a brave local man who lost his life at such a young age in the First World War.

"It is also great to see new affordable housing being built in our town. The naming of Rolt Close in this development ensures we both remember the past and provides much needed housing for our future community."