Pattiswick, Essex

Grandmother

I have little information, other than my paternal Grandmother was the eldest of 16 children born in Bradwell approximately at this time, or much earlier, possibly 1875 onwards. Her maiden name was Elizabeth Cook. A cousin of mine says we should have a lot of relatives in Bradwell! Unfortunately we have no record of them. My... [more]

blacksmiths

I attended the grammar school 1936-9. Whilst waiting for buses home I used to talk to the local blacksmith. I said to him ,"My granddad uised to be a smith"
When I told him my surname was `King` he asked "Was he Tom King ?" I did not know as my relative had died when I was two but asked "Why?"... [more]

My early years

I lived in Cressing Road, went to Chapel Hill Primary School and then to Braintree County High School. I left there in 1952 when my father was transferred by Crittall Metal Windows, to Dunedin, New Zealand. I remember the 750th Anniversary celebrations in 1949 and had always said I would like to return for the 800th Anniversary, but I couldn't make... [more]

Braintree County High School

I own a picture of the students of BCHS taken in 1947.  Such a view has many many names and connections. There is the headmaster Dr. Cordingly [he of the famous stick]. Here is the vicar Hartley Brook's daughter. My old girl friend Shirley, and members of my class including Billy Cranfield, Ron Whittaker, David Woodward, Valerie O'Neill and a crowd... [more]

Public House (Coach Stop)

During the 1960s I was a representative for a world known vermouth manufacturer and remember calling regularly on this large pub on the main road to Colchester and the Essex coast. The licensee John, and his wife, Marion, became good friends and I spent many happy hours just talking and joking away the hours. The coaches rolled in and were accommodated... [more]

Rayne in 1950/1960

I was born in Rayne and in the 1950s.I have fond memories of being able to play various sports in the road at School Road with my brother Peter and friend Richard Dodd, gaining a few more players as word got around! We used to mark the Tennis Court on the road with chalk and played many games, sometimes having to... [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.