Save 15%Save 15%
Francis Frith logo

The Francis Frith Collection Francis Frith

An Historical Photographic Archive of National Importance

Call: +44 (0)1722 716 376
Sign-in or Register
Contact Us
Trustpilot
Sign-in or Register
Delivery Info Help Contact Us
UK (£)
Choose A Francis Frith Shop
 UK (£) For UK & International delivery US ($) For US/Canada delivery
Call +44 (0)1722 716376
0 Items: View Basket
Shopping Basket
Trustpilot
  1. Home
  2. Greater London
  3. Penge
  4. Memories

Nostalgic memories of Penge's local history

Share your own memories of Penge 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 Penge

Displaying Memories 41 - 48 of 48 in total

Boots.
Just on the left of the photo, by the first car, was Boots the chemist where my mum worked.
Penge, High Street c1960
Contact Contributor
Add Comment
Added 30 January 2010

Before 1948
My Great Grandparents lived in the alms houses, G grandfather having been a lighterman. Until my Great grandmother died in 1948 when I was 10, we used to visit regularly. The houses were tiny with one room upstairs and a kitchen and living room dowm. The bath and toilet facilities were along a covered way - not very good in the winter. Great Grandmother died aged 90 on 21st December 1948. I have a photo of her and my ...see more
Penge, Waterman's and Lightermen's Almshouses c1965
Contact Contributor
Add Comment
Added 15 March 2009

Penge High Street
I used to work in the florist across the road from the police station. Did a lot of window shopping on the way home.
Penge, High Street c1955
Contact Contributor
Add Comment
Added 23 November 2008

Upper Norwood
I was born in 1957 at East Dulwich Hospital. Lived on Central Hill, Upper Norwood until 1966. I went to Rockmount Infants and Junior's School. I remember living in a large Victorian house until the council bought the land to build a council estate, poor Mum and Dad were moved to West Norwood to live in an old prefab until 1969, when we moved again. The best years of my young life were in Upper Norwood. I remember my ...see more
Penge, the Recreation Ground 1899
Contact Contributor
Add Comment
Added 16 November 2008

The War Years
I was always in the Penge Recreation during the war, not only to play but I used to cut through from one end of the Rec, as we used to call it, to the other end coming out of the gates opposite St John's Church, where you can see the steeple in the picture.  I always used to think how lovely the flower beds were kept by the gardeners. Just outside the gates there was a war memorial, where people used to lay wreaths.   ...see more
Penge, the Recreation Ground 1899
Contact Contributor
Add Comment
Added 11 November 2008

Penge Police Station
In this photo I can see the Police Station on the right, which I remember clearly and can visualize the old bobbies coming out to go on duty.  Also I can see the sign in the distance for the Essoldo Theatre, which used to be the old Empire Theatre.  Further up the High Street on the right hand side I remember a department store called Rogers, where you could buy clothes, accessories, material etc.  I always went in there looking for Christmas presents.  
Penge, High Street c1955
Contact Contributor
Read Comments 2
Added 11 November 2008

Where I Was Born
I was born in a third floor flat overlooking the Waterman's Almshouses in 1935. I spent the whole of  World War 2 in Penge with my family.  I remember the pub the Crooked Billet near to the Almshouses and next door a cycle shop, where I bought my first new sports cycle.  I particularly remember the Empire Theatre in the High Street, where I used to go to see the plays every week, and then stand outside the stage door ...see more
Penge, Waterman's Almshouses 1899
Contact Contributor
Add Comment
Added 11 November 2008

Borwick's Baking Powder Factory, Penge
My father used to work at this factory in Penge as a Chemist. We moved down to Selsdon when I was five (1950) and then we moved back up to the Wirral when I was 11. Does anyone remember exactly where the factory was and does anyone remember Selsdon in those days?
Penge, High Street c1955
Contact Contributor
Read Comments 2
Added 04 May 2008