Coggeshall, Essex

Grandmother

I have little information, other than my paternal Grandmother was the eldest of 16 children born in Bradwell approximately at this time, or much earlier, possibly 1875 onwards. Her maiden name was Elizabeth Cook. A cousin of mine says we should have a lot of relatives in Bradwell! Unfortunately we have no record of them. My... [more]

Public House (Coach Stop)

During the 1960s I was a representative for a world known vermouth manufacturer and remember calling regularly on this large pub on the main road to Colchester and the Essex coast. The licensee John, and his wife, Marion, became good friends and I spent many happy hours just talking and joking away the hours. The coaches rolled in and were accommodated... [more]

blacksmiths

I attended the grammar school 1936-9. Whilst waiting for buses home I used to talk to the local blacksmith. I said to him ,"My granddad uised to be a smith"
When I told him my surname was `King` he asked "Was he Tom King ?" I did not know as my relative had died when I was two but asked "Why?"... [more]

Homes Boy

I entered White's Children's Home and Mission (known as CH&M) in June of 1945 having come from Surbiton, Surrey. I was 9 years old. The home was situated in Church Rd opposite "The Pond", it is now a CO-OP supermarket.  There was a large Georgian house named "The Grove" and a Hall with other buildings, we had a large field to... [more]

My Granddad Stevens

Years ago my grandad had a small garage and workshop at the side of the Du-Cane Arms. My dad was born there and went to scool at Great Tottom. My grandad is buried in Great Braxted Church and my nanna is there too. In the last few years dad  (Anthony Percy Stevens who died in 2005) was buried also in Great... [more]

Braintree Road

I was born at 38 Braintree Road in 1942 and enjoyed growing up in the area close to Chipping Hill. The old forge was in operation and us kids would spend hours watching My Dorking shoeing horses. I went to the Chipping Hill School from 1947 to 49.
I spent a lot of time at Halfhides Farm which is now long... [more]

Witham in the 1800s

My dad and ancestors were born in Witham. Does anyone have any pictures of the early days of Witham, if so they could email me? I would love to hear from anyone who is familiar with the history of Essex. You can email me direct at dorel34@shaw.ca.

Help required

Does anyone know of Sylvia Eileen Newman, who was living in Witham around 1965? She became Sylvia Eileen Brewer. Any help would be appreciated.