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An Historical Photographic Archive of National Importance

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Nostalgic memories of Crawley's local history

Share your own memories of Crawley 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 Crawley

Displaying Memories 1 - 10 of 27 in total

Liveihg In Tillgate
I lived in Tillgate from 1945 to about 1954. Dad was Sir Malcolm Campbell's care taker on the estate, until he died, we have grate memory's growing up there, by the way our name is Morris, there was fore of us at this time, Dennis ,Bill, Pat, and myself, Mum & Dad, we lived in the old laundry cottage on the side of the lake, I remember the mansion very well, I went in side it when the Canadians used it as the ...see more
Crawley, Tillgate Mansion 1907
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Added 21 March 2016

Filming Z Cars Outside Littlewoods
I remember them filming Z-Cars along Queensway.
Crawley, Queensway c1965
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Added 06 November 2014

David Argents On Corner Of Robinson Road.
First place to buy Ben Sherman Shirts and Levi's the in place late sixty's early 70's
Crawley, High Street c1965
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Added 06 November 2014

Some Of My Boyhood Memories Of Three Bridges
I lived in New Street, and my boyhood friends were Richard Freakes, John Denman, Michael and Graham Goring, Jeff and Billy Kowatch and Alfie Manzoli. Amongst many others, we used to play in the woods opposite Alfie's house and up on the hawth and where there was a huge bomb crater we used to ride our bikes. I was a paper boy for Dacks newsagent then later for Stones when the Daks retired. ...see more
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Added 25 November 2013

Jimmy Hendrix At The Starlight
Did anyone see Jimmy Hendrix at the starlight ballroom on 15/10/1967 OR The Who at the Civic Hall
Crawley, Tilgate Park c1965
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Added 11 November 2013

Blue Pencil Cafe, County Oak Crawley
Built as an Egg Farm and local produce outlet pre WW2 it became a Transport Café during the 1940's through the 1950's and into the 1960's. Well known on the A23. As a schoolboy I lived 100 yards south over the Surrey/Sussex border from 1945 to 1956. I remember the glass in our front door being rattled by overloaded trucks struggling to reach enough speed for the next gear change, and have been a ...see more
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Added 07 November 2013

Tilgate Forest
I was lucky enough to be looked after by the warden of Tilgate Forest and his wife whom I referred to as Aunty and Uncle Bill. Bill Wratten was employed by Crawley Council as warden and lived in a Nissen hut with his wife Emily; known as 'Warden's Bungalow' which was situated on the opposite side of the lane where the groups of huts were and are still used today by various clubs. I was taken there by my father early ...see more
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Added 10 September 2013

Dancing In The Square
The bandstand where Jazz was played on, I think, a Sunday afternoon. The fountain - remember it being 'soaped' and indeed Queensway Stores, my first job on a Saturday and the first department store in town!
Crawley, Queens Square c1965
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Added 09 September 2013

My First 'hamburger'
I remember the upstairs cafe here, it is where I ate my first hamburger and drank a banana milkshake! This would have been in 1959 (ish!) I also worked as a Saturday girl in Queensway Stores which was just out of shot in this photo - later to become a Tesco's and now I think is Next. Also memories of Leon's Dance Hall - jiving in Queens Square to jazz bands in the bandstand!
Crawley, the Martlets c1960
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Added 09 September 2013

Tilgate Park Stables 1964 To 1966
We used to live in the stables part of the old house, when it was used as council homes. The old house was still there when we moved in. I remember it being vacant and briefly owned by a 'famous' footballer, although I don't remember his name. It was a magical time for my brother and I. We played badminton in the washing lines and used to climb over the fence into the park. Everything was overgrown ...see more
Crawley, Tilgate Park c1965
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Added 02 May 2013