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An Historical Photographic Archive of National Importance

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Nostalgic memories of Reading's local history

Share your own memories of Reading 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 Reading

Displaying Memories 11 - 20 of 27 in total

My Marriage To Readings Beauty Queen Margret Gash Later Green
I was married to my wife, Margret Gash, in this church in 1962. I had to look twice when she approched me in her bridal gown, I felt like the luckiest man alive. We had a beautifull white wedding and we had a grey wals car. We had a great reception with about 70-80 guests.
Reading, St Mary's Church c1955
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Added 09 March 2013

Macilroys
So far as I know never was called Oxford Street its always been called Oxford road. My grandfather also Frank, met my grandmother, Dora, when they both worked for Macilroys before the Great War. I believe Macilroys was the large department store situated under the white awnings in the photograph. My grandmother lived in, which was not unusual in those days, I am not sure if grandad lived in as well but shortly after they ...see more
Reading, Oxford Street 1913
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Added 27 January 2013

London Street
I remember many many things As a child about London Street as for many years my father had a photographic business adjacent to the Olympia Ballroom (first property on the right hand side of the ballroom with the name Photo Enterprise). As a child I used to catch a bus from Shinfield council estate to London Street on a Saturday when dad did not have any weddings, and get taken into town for a treat. This used to ...see more
Reading, Oxford Street 1913
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Added 20 August 2012

Reading In The 60's
I was born in Caversham, Reading. I used to go to a riding school at Sonning Common, owned by Rosemary Drayton and remember the riding school and farm at Bugs Bottom owned by Frank Stokes. I loved the ice cream sold at The Regent in St Mary's Butts, and I worked at Lamport, Gilbert and Co in Gun Street, my window overlooked Courages and I would see the brewery horses Captain and Trixie pulling the dray of beer. ...see more
Reading, Oxford Street 1913
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Added 23 April 2012

Theatre

Does anyone have memories of the theatre in Reading and any notable productions? I remember going to it but have forgotten the name.
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Added 19 April 2012

Happy Days
Miss Jenifer Howell and Mr Peter Gardiner got married here on the 21st October 1967 as did my mother and father Jean and Frank Gardiner on the 21st October 1939.
Reading, Christ Church 1896
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Added 04 January 2012

My Home Town 1947 1969
I was born in Liebenrood Road Maternity Hospital Reading in 1947 and for my first 5 years I lived in Salisbury Road, moving to Whitley until I left in 1969. I remember as a young child having many photographs taken at Jeromes in Broad Street. I spent many Christmases queuing to see Father Christmas in Heelas underneath a silk parachute that was suspended from the ceiling and it fascinated me and kept me quiet ...see more
Reading, St Mary's Butts 1912
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Added 05 December 2011

Broad Street
I left Reading to live in the West Midlands when this photo was taken in 1965. I believe the trolley buses were still running then. Does anyone remember the pet shop with the rabbits in their hutches outside? Josie LLewelyn
Reading, Broad Street c1965
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Added 14 May 2011

Reading, The Town Hall

This is the Museum and Concert Hall. The Town Hall is at the other end of the building.
Reading, Museum and Concert Hall c1900
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Added 16 April 2011

Reading, Oxford Street 1913
This is Oxford Road, not Oxford Street. Otherwise we enjoy! JC Our Archivist has been looking into this - it looks as though the name changed in the 1960's from Oxford Street to Oxford Road. Regards, Editor.
Reading, Oxford Street 1913
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Added 23 January 2011