Petersfield, Market Square 1898
Photo ref: 41314
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Photo ref: 41314
Photo of Petersfield, Market Square 1898

More about this scene

What a gem this photograph is. Prior to this, the Old Town Hall (1780), the offices of The Hampshire Post and Pince's School obscured the view of St Peter's from the Square. In 1898 these buildings were pulled down. This photograph was taken during this demolition because Pince's School still stands, but all that remains of the other two buildings is the pile of rubble on the left. The drinking fountain, centre middle distance, was about to begin its travels, first to a position in front of the church, then in 1977 to a pedestrian bridge over the stream near the present Ramswalk and, at the time of writing, at the eastern end of the central car park. Castle House stands behind the iron railings on the right, beside the George Inn.

A Selection of Memories from Petersfield

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our website to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was, prompted by the photographs in our archive. Here are some from Petersfield

Sparked a Memory for you?

If this has sparked a memory, why not share it here?

As a lad in the 1950's a Sunday run to see auntie in Petersfield was are regular event. A trip to see the lake and try to spot the large carp that would often rise was a treat. On the road there we would often see 'The Butser Turf company lorries load with supplies. The lorries then were ex army 4 x 4 from the war.
I distinctly remember taking part in one particular exercise on Petersfield Heath at the age of 15. We were divided into two detachments, one defending a position in a clump of trees on the high ground, and the other attacking it. The first section left the school earlier in order to establish the defensive position, and I was in the second detachment Intended to be the attacking party. We were all ...see more
This starts in 1938 when I was taken by my mother and ended up having tea with Bill Hogarth - Chinese tea, horrid. That September I started in Form One to be loudly proclaimed by Bill 'a dunderhead' as I could not understand Latin and most of the class had come through the prep school where it was taught. The result a hatred of languages since then. Held back in Form One I went with my mother and sister to Malta where ...see more
Thinking of my time in the aforesaid Cadet corps I clearly remember an exercise on the Heath when we were playing soldiers. To make things realistic we were using thunderflashes. Unfortunately the weather was hot and dry with the result that the "bangers" set fire to the gorse and bracken and the exercise had to be abandoned. Red faces among the staff, great amusement among the cadets.