Colchester, Essex

Leadership Course

We completed our Lance Bombadier Leadership training in these barracks, we referred to them as cavalry barracks (they are stables now). I was with 52 Bty 45 Fld Regt RA, stationed at Kirkee Barracks. One of my friends (Arnie Mccallion) was on stable duty but was allergic to horses, the BSM thought he was trying to pull a fast one -... [more]

So sad

This picture of High Street is very dear to me because it is how I remembered it when I was a boy in the 1940s & 50s. In 1955 I was called up to do my national sevice and was posted abroard, when I returned, to my horror, the church in the foreground had been demolished.  

Donkey & Buskins public house, Layer-de-la-Hay

I was the licensee of the above for an all too brief time and had some regular customers who arrived every week-day evening at opening time and were called "The Club". Among them I remember a Ken & Penny Upton and a retired local Headmaster who was known as "Casey".
Time erodes memory, especially re: names, but I hope someone reads... [more]

Colchester

While we were living in Colchester between 1955 and 1958, I was confirmed at this church at Lexden, Colchester. I had little memory of the church, but then while looking through the photos for Colchester I came across this photo much to my delight as this was where I was confirmed. Colchester Castle grounds was a beautiful place to walk through.... [more]

Happy Summer Days at the Pool

This photo' reminded me of those carefree summer days when we would cycle from Myland to the pool, leave our bikes, unlocked, in a heap outside, pay our 6d and go to the dank, cold, changing room under the bridge.
The girls had to cross the end of the pool by a boardwalk to their changing room on the other side.[more]

Colchester 1960s

Lived Colchester late 1950s to late 1960s. Fond memories of picnics in the castle grounds with my young sister and baby brother. Boats on the lake. Military tattoo. Returned after years away and though there was change, much remained the same - thank goodness.

Colchester Photographic Memories

These views show the town from the 1890s to the 1960s; they record both the many changes that have taken place and also, paradoxically, how much of the old town survives. The medieval street plan survives virtually intact, much of it based on the Roman town laid out in the first century AD. The main axis of the principal roads consists of the Roman east-west artery, now the High... [more]

Colchester Photographic Memories

The fine Georgian tower of St Peter's church was built in 1758, replacing the medieval one which was damaged by an earthquake in 1692. The gabled build- ing on the left was demol- ished in the 1920s for The Waggon and Horses pub.

Essex Pocket Album

North Hill descends from the High Street. The church on the right is St Peter's - the town church.The tower was completed in 1758. In 1878 the Victorian clock was regulated by Greenwich time so as to agree with the clock at the Post Office. On the left is William Robert Simkin's shop. He was cabinet-maker, chair maker and upholsterer, as well as undertaker.