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The Francis Frith Collection Francis Frith

An Historical Photographic Archive of National Importance

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Nostalgic memories of Cowes's local history

Share your own memories of Cowes and read what others have said

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.

Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.

Add a Memory!

It's easy to add your own memories and reconnect with your shared local history. Search for your favourite places and look for the 'Add Your Memory' buttons to begin

Add Your Memory for Cowes

Displaying all 7 Memories

Cowes From 1937 To 1955
I was born in Cowes, so many lovely photos! I left for Canada in 1957, Vancouver Island. Sidney, BC, reminds me of a Canadian Cowes. I know all the locations that you display. Things changed a bit over the years, but on a visit I bought a lovely sweat shirt at Atkeys Chandlers, and stayed at the Solent Inn. I saw the old Denmark Road School is now Condos. We used to go to the big air raid shelters in the ...see more
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Added 09 May 2020

Special Ladiesspecial Island
My late father Donald Jack Baker was born at Cowes on the 18/8/1910, he would later become my father in Bulawayo, Rhodesia (Now Zimbabwe) on the 20/6/1940. Through no fault of our father we children grew up in homes and were later fostered out. All through the years we received little parcels from our grandmother and great grandmother Eva Irene, and Emily Ada Baker nee Baggs. I have recently stood at ...see more
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Added 20 November 2011

Hell And High Water!
I worked in my Aunts ladies wear shop (Kays), and remember being flodded when heavy rain combined with high tide caused the shop to have water running through from back to the front with my friend Maureen and myself sweeping the ensuing water out of the front door. In those days the floor was bare board and it soon dried out. As it was summer we thought it was good fun and no harm was caused.
Cowes, High Street c1965
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Added 12 December 2007

Noris Castle
This was the Red Funnel ship Noris Castle an ex tank landing craft.
Cowes, the Harbour c1955
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Added 30 April 2007

Private School.
The house shown immediately in front of the church was a private school run by Miss Margaret and Miss Cecil Cawse. Both my father and I attended this school.
Cowes, Holy Trinity Church 1908
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Added 06 April 2006

Change Of Use.
The building on the left became an amusement arcade in the early 1950s and then a dental surgery. Later it was demolished and replaced by a new building of flats and a new HQ related to Cowes week which was opened by Prince Philip in 2005.
Cowes, Old Houses 1927
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Added 06 April 2006

Family Connections.
My father Mr Jim Rush is at the far right of this photo in a light shirt, looking rather windswept. At this time he was the proprietor of the Pavilion Hotel and also for a short time the owner of the Alexander Hall which he ran as a dance hall.
Cowes, the Parade c1955
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Added 06 April 2006