The Francis Frith Collection.
You are here:

Orford memories

Here are memories of Orford and the local area. You can start now: Add your own Memory of Orford or a Orford photo.

The Castle

This photograph features someone sitting on a bench in the foreground of Orford Castle.  It is a strong possibility that it is my Uncle Jim (James Ellis) Smy.  This was his favourite spot and he could be found sitting there catching up with his friends.  

There are several legends attached to Orford Castle.  The most famous is that of the Merman.  Villagers allegedly caught him in fishing nets and imprisoned him in the castle.  He either wouldn't or couldn't speak and was very wild in appearance.  One night he escaped and was never seen again.

Another story is that two people had their photograph taken standing either side of the fireplace.  When the photograph was developed a ghostly figure was seen standing between them.

Memories of Suffolk

Samuel Wright

I am researching my husbands family tree. His great grandad was Samuel Wright who was a coal hauler in Grimsby in 1883, on looking at the census further I found he came from Sudbourne in Suffolk. Terry [my husband] had no idea that his Wright family had originated from there. Does anyone know of any of Sam Wrights family still around there or have any knowledge of the Wrights. Is Sudbourne a small place? What is it like now? We intend to visit one day. Many thanks Chris Wright

Playing

The Model Boat Pond c1955
Enlarge photo |  More about this photo

This little girl could be me! I spent many happy hours playing with my model boat here, while visiting my grandmother, Ruth Knowles from Fawcett Road in the town. What happy memories!

Evacuation

My brother and I were evacuated to Farnham in 1939. We lived at the Vicarage with 8 other children and 2 ladies looking after us (one was our mother). We used to walk up the lane on Sundays to have lunch at a big house which was owned by 'Lady Stabb'. We ate in the servants quarters but it was very nice. I wonder if there is anyone there who would remember us evacuees. I would love to know. Thank you, Shirley Hards (nee Drew)

Farnham Hall

To Mr Graham Bingham, I have tried to contact you but cannot get through. I don't have your e-mail address so can you contact me regarding Farnham Hall. Shirley Hards

Frozen Mere

Does anyone remember the very cold November of 1969? I think it was on the 20th that I was riding my motorcycle on the frozen mere. If anyone took a photo I would love a copy.

Memorybank total

We're very pleased and excited by your response so far to our "Share your Memories" community.

You've shared 28,895 memories of 5,952 towns & villages across the UK - keep them coming!

Browse memories button

Find Memories

Simply search for your favourite places to read others' memories and share your own.

Start by searching for your favourite places

Tips & Ideas

Not sure what to write?
It's easy - just think of an important place in your life and ask yourself:

How does it feature in your personal history?

What are your best memories of this place?

How has it changed over the years?

How does it feel, seeing these old photos of your favourite place?

Do you remember stories about the local community, its history and people?

Start now!

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

Your memories

To jump straight to the memories you have added already to the Community, click here

I Remember When...

I Remember When

This stunning compilation highlights some of the best stories selected from the thousands contributed here on the Frith website. The result is an absorbing chronicle of British life from the Second World War to the mid 1960s.

A colourful treasure trove of memories, "I Remember When" is an irresistible mix of personal stories and recollections that affectionately reveal the detail of everyday life in Britain.

Learn more button Save 25% on I Remember When when you order now!
Home > Explore your past > Orford > Memories of Orford

© Copyright 1998-2012 Frith Content Inc. All rights reserved.