The Francis Frith Collection.
You are here: Home > Explore your past > England > Berkshire > Broadmoor
2008 Christmas Gift Guide - great gifts for your family and friends

Broadmoor

Broadmoor photos (11 available)

Old photo of Broadmoor

Broadmoor maps (2 available)

Old map of Broadmoor

Broadmoor books (10 available)

Broadmoor memories

Cricketing memories at Broadmoor.

Broadmoor, Asylum Entrance 1908

A fine cricket ground was included within the walls where Bracknell CC played each year. There was a concert party formed from among the inmates that used to give performances in the villages around Crowthorne: the party travelled with a strong force of warders. Just after WWII there was an occasion when a notorious murderer managed to escape and the alarm was sounded. It was powerful enough to be heard over a range of several miles. The escapee was soon recaptured but there was great local concern about the type of person held in Broadmoor.
Contributed by Mr FA Thompson

Berkshire memories

Cricketing memories at Broadmoor.

Broadmoor, Asylum Entrance 1908

A fine cricket ground was included within the walls where Bracknell CC played each year. There was a concert party formed from among the inmates that used to give performances in the villages around Crowthorne: the party travelled with a strong force of warders. Just after WWII there was an occasion when a notorious murderer managed to escape and the alarm was sounded. It was powerful enough to be heard over a range of several miles. The escapee was soon recaptured but there was great local concern about the type of person held in Broadmoor.
A memory of Broadmoor contributed by Mr FA Thompson

Running

My best memory of Little Sandhurst was being able to run freely through Wellington College woods as I was an avid fan of athletics and still am.  I lived in Edgbarrow Rise and can remember people like Peter Searle, John Irwin (now deceased), Peter Barber (now deceased), Derek and David Wood and many more.  My mum used to work in the local post office and her name was Maria.  I went to Scotland Hill school, the old one where the headmaster was Harold Shanks and my teacher was Mrs Huddle and I do believe she is still alive.  I frequently return and am amazed that there are no shops, post office or butchers.  It has become too populated.

A memory of Little Sandhurst contributed by barry bailey

grounds of the Royal Military Academy

Sandhurst, Royal Military College 1901

While I was growing up in Sandhurst, the grounds of the College was open to the public and we could walk from the village of Sandhurst through to Camberley. This building with parade ground in front is famous for the white horse which always entered the building up the steps when the passing out parades had finished. In front of this building are beautiful grounds with a big lake which was often the place to have picnics in the summer, and in winter - if frozen - we would skate over it. Shame now due to security risks etc, that the grounds are closed to the general public. Such a shame - I am glad I have the memories still.
A memory of Sandhurst contributed by Mary Back

Extracts From Broadmoor & Berkshire books

Broadmoor, Asylum Entrance 1908

This view shows the main entrance to Broadmoor Asylum, which is situated at Crowthorne. Built on rising ground in 1863, Broadmoor is still in use today. It is one of four special hospitals providing treatment for psychiatric patients under secure conditions.
An extract from from"Berkshire Photographic Memories".

Binfield, Newbold Missionary College c1955

Viewed across a new orchard is the mansion of Moore Close. The original house, built by Mr Hutchinson Brown, was bought by Charles Birch Crisp who, in 1910, commissioned newly-qualified architect Oliver Hill to enlarge the house and design the gardens. Newbold Missionary College moved to the site in February 1946.
An extract from from"Wokingham and Bracknell Photographic Memories".

Yateley, the Common 1924

From its depot in Reading, having stopped at Shinfield, Arborfield, Eversley and Yateley, a Thorneycroft J Type bus operated by the Thames Valley Traction Company has yet to make a pick up in Derby Green before continuing through Blackwater, to its destination in Camberley. It seems a fitting picture to conclude this selection of photographs and illustrate the pace of life in days gone by.
An extract from from"Wokingham and Bracknell Photographic Memories".

Wokingham, Station Road c1955

The Hope and Anchor, seen here on the right, has changed little in the present day, but now includes the small gabled building on its left, which had been a blacksmiths for many years. Today the British Legion hall will be found to the rear of the next building along, which in this photograph bears the name ‘Wokingham Ex-Servicemen’s Club’.
An extract from from"Wokingham and Bracknell Photographic Memories".

Wokingham, Rose Street c1955

The 15th-century building in the foreground has had a variety of uses, including that of a public house named The Cricketers which ran from the mid 19th century until its closure in 1909. This picture shows it as a fish and chip shop. In recent years it has doubled as a tailor’s workroom with private accommodation above. The tall narrow building immediately to the left was at one time home to James Seaward, who was reputedly the inspiration for the character of Tom in Charles Kingsley’s book ‘The Water Babies’. Beyond is a fine run of 15th- and 16th-century buildings.
An extract from from"Wokingham and Bracknell Photographic Memories".