Cranbrook, The Village c.1955
Photo ref: C178022
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Photo ref: C178022
Photo of Cranbrook, The Village c.1955

More about this scene

The sails of the Union Windmill peep over the roofs of the half-timbered cottages lining the street. Built in 1814 for Henry Dobell, the mill received its name because a union of local tradesmen ran it. In the 14th century, Cranbrook became the centre of cloth making in the county after Edward III lured Flemish weavers to settle here. The trade lasted until the 18th century.

A Selection of Memories from Cranbrook

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our website to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was, prompted by the photographs in our archive. Here are some from Cranbrook

Sparked a Memory for you?

If this has sparked a memory, why not share it here?

Edward John Russell was born in 1888, by 1939 his father John Small Russell was deceased but his mother Mary Emma nee Tyler from High Halden was a widow aged 75, living with His wife Ada nee Butler. They also had a daughter Hazel Russell aged 18 who helped in the house.
My father worked at the mill in approximately 1958. I recall it being repaired by Dutch engineers at that time. Next door was a grocer's shop, but I cannot remember the name. We lived at the time near Goudhurst. What a terrific place for a young person to play!