Asher Hucklesby

Asher Hucklesby

One of Luton's most notable people, Asher Hucklesby served a mayor an incredible five times between 1892 and 1906. A self-made man from Stopsley, his wealth would come in the Straw Hat industry and was such that he would eventually buy the land that became Wardown Park and donate it to the people of Luton. He lived outside the park in Leaside Villa, later a hotel and restaurant, with the road outside named Hucklesby Way in his honour.

He served as President of Luton Town in 1893 and 1894. His passing in 1908 he was afforded a civic funeral, recorded as one of the largest the town had ever seen. He was buried at Rothesay Road Cemetary, his striking memorial befitting a larger than life individual.