In the heart of Louth lies a place that’s more than just a beauty spot — it’s a living memorial to love, generosity, and civic pride. Hubbards Hills, with its winding paths and tranquil waters, owes its existence to one man’s devotion to his wife and his adopted town.
It all began in 1875, when a young Swiss teacher, Auguste Alphonse Pahud, arrived in Louth to teach French and German at King Edward VI School. He fell in love with Annie Grant, the daughter of a prosperous Withern farmer. They married twelve years later and settled at The Limes on Westgate, living a life of travel and quiet companionship.
But tragedy struck in 1899 when Annie died suddenly in London. Auguste was heartbroken. He withdrew from public life and, in 1902, passed away after writing a will that would shape Louth’s future. His £25,000 estate — a fortune at the time — was entrusted to seven local men with a mission: honour Annie’s memory and give back to the community. Their decisions were visionary:
- A stained-glass window was commissioned for the parish church
- The Limes became the foundation of the Girls’ Grammar School
- A fund was created to support the poor in Withern
- And most famously, Hubbards Hills was purchased and transformed into a public park
The land, bought from Mr J. Ward for just over £2,000, included the lake and watermill on Crowtree Lane. Extensive tree planting followed, and the valley was carefully shaped into the green haven we know today — a process beautifully documented in David Robinson’s book The History of Hubbards Hills.
The Day Louth Celebrated
On August 3, 1907, the town came alive. Flags fluttered, bells rang, and thousands gathered to celebrate the official handover of Hubbards Hills to the people of Louth. The Mayor called it “the proudest moment” of his career. Children sang, bands played, and the festivities stretched from morning until a firework finale lit up the sky with the words: “May Louth enjoy Hubbards Hills — Goodnight.”
It was a day etched into memory — not just for the spectacle, but for what it represented: a gift of nature, freely given, to be cherished by generations.
Stewardship Through the Years
After local government changes in 1974, care of the Hills passed to East Lindsey District and Louth Town Council. Despite good intentions, funding was tight and ambitious plans never materialised. By 2009, it was clear that Hubbards Hills needed a new chapter.
That came in the form of a dedicated charity, launched in April 2009. With a mix of councillors and passionate locals — including Philip Day, Allan Dunning, Michael Beaumont, Michael Moncaster, and Linda Cahalin — the charity took on the task of preserving and improving the Hills. A maintenance plan was drawn up with expert help, and today the site is supported by council funds and external grants.
Because Hubbards Hills isn’t just a park. It’s a love letter to Lincolnshire, written in trees and water, and signed by a man who believed in beauty, memory, and community.
2 comments:
A really interesting article. I’ll look out for the book.
Thank you for your comment
Post a Comment