Great Braxted, Essex

Freddie Holmes' garage

I attended the primary school, just down the Maldon Road from the garage in the photo, which was run by Mr Holmes.  The sweet-shop behind the pumps was popular with us kids!  Headmaster of the primary school was Mr Herbert Lewis, a Welshman known to us as "Pop".  He maintained discipline - and our attention! - with a bundle of rulers... [more]

Wickham Bishops Born and Bred

In 1950 I was born on a cold winter's night to my mother Rosemary Jesse, at 'The Black Houses', Kelvedon Road, Wickham Bishops, built by architect, designer and socio-economic theorist Arthur Heygate Macmurdo. I had an older brother Neil and a sister, Christine. My mother had lived her childhood at Goldhanger, another delightfully unique part of Essex, bringing forth many joyful... [more]

A real English village

My parents moved to Wickham Bishops in 1948 to help friends run the village Post Office Stores which sold everything - stamps, paraffin (you brought your own can and it was filled from a barrel at the back), vinegar (as for the parafin, it came from a barrel out back), cheese portions cut from huge cheeses wrapped in linen, and loose... [more]

Braintree Road

I was born at 38 Braintree Road in 1942 and enjoyed growing up in the area close to Chipping Hill. The old forge was in operation and us kids would spend hours watching My Dorking shoeing horses. I went to the Chipping Hill School from 1947 to 49.
I spent a lot of time at Halfhides Farm which is now long... [more]

Witham in the 1800s

My dad and ancestors were born in Witham. Does anyone have any pictures of the early days of Witham, if so they could email me? I would love to hear from anyone who is familiar with the history of Essex. You can email me direct at dorel34@shaw.ca.

Help required

Does anyone know of Sylvia Eileen Newman, who was living in Witham around 1965? She became Sylvia Eileen Brewer. Any help would be appreciated.

Witham Times

I believe that my Grandfather, Arthur Arnold, was the editor of the Witham Times before and during the second world war and lived in Silver End with his wife Molly, sons Frank and Peter and daughter Elizabeth (Betty). I would appreciate any information that would confirm or deny this well worn family history.