Nostalgic memories of Grays's local history

Share your own memories of Grays 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

Displaying Memories 11 - 20 of 42 in total

Oh my goodness, whata wonderful collection. I grew up in Grays lfrom 1945 to 1961. In most of these pictures, there are buildings my great grandfather built. The library for example and next to it a row of shops. All built by H. J. Carter. Before they were shops, they were homes. The one next door to the library was no. 15. My father, Horace Carter grew up there. If you look on the corner of the Baptist church ...see more
In the early 1950's we lived in "Little Thurrock" as my Mum called it! Actually in Blackshotts Lane at a time before the road was adopted by the council and full of pot holes! What I want to find is exactly where the Third Grays Wolf Cubs HQ was? Remember it cost tuppence to get a return bus ticket from Blackshotts Lane to Grays Town. Walked over the train line level crossing in the town centre ...see more
The St. John Ambulance Brigade of Grays Thurrock had three wooden first aid posts that they manned over bank holidays and summer weekends which were along what was the main road from East End of London running through to Southend-on-Sea. They were painted white and when manned and flew the brigade flag on a small mast attached to the huts. The windows were protected by wooden shutters which ...see more
I used to live in Lenthall Avenue I remember your dad giving driving lessons in 1958 in his Ford prefect.i passed first time . He taught me a great lesson trust your judgement when driving .i Iwas doing a three point turn and I backed into a lamppost When I asked why he didn't tell me he said I'm not driving you are. My name is Alfred Davies. And lived opposite Lucas road
Does anyone have any photographs which has tesco and delaware shops during the early 70s?
We used to leave Torell's school and hang on the bank at Hangman's woods overlooking Danehole's roundabout.
I remember the shop very well,I went out with a girl who worked there.Her name was Rosalie.I worked at Gorstens the butchers my father was the manager.
I was born in Rectory rd in 1940.I went to East Thurrock primary school from 1944 until 1950 when I went to Torells.I started work in Grays high street in 1955 at Gorstons butchers. The cab company I remember was Pratleys.
thank you first to Francis Frith for finding my new people from Grays . I am getting some trouble getting replies to my ?? AND your messages so I am giving my E - Mail address ivan.daph@hotmail.com hope you all find it the memories have be great thank you all Ivan Lane
I live down in New Zealand now but I have seen all the comments etc about old grays as I said all the com I have lived in all those people even down the Exmouth swimming pool and mesons lane I lived there when they shot down a german plane it fell into the old lane to the fort / they were happy days / if anyone would like to get in touch with me I used to live at 102 new road grays essex my ...see more