The Francis Frith Collection.
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Pangbourne

Pangbourne photos (36 available)

Old photo of Pangbourne

Pangbourne maps (2 available)

Old map of Pangbourne

Pangbourne books (12 available)

* 3 books shown here

Pangbourne memories

The Boat.

Pangbourne, Whitchurch Lock c1949

The boat in the photograph was completed in 1949 by my father George Watson. We lived in Palmers Green, London N13.  I am up forward then aged 11.  I think the picture was taken in 1949 as I can remember the occasion well.  
Contributed by Mr J Watson

Berkshire memories

The Boat.

Pangbourne, Whitchurch Lock c1949

The boat in the photograph was completed in 1949 by my father George Watson. We lived in Palmers Green, London N13.  I am up forward then aged 11.  I think the picture was taken in 1949 as I can remember the occasion well.  
A memory of Pangbourne contributed by Mr J Watson

Birds nest

Tilehurst, School Road c1960

I was about 5 or 6 and my dad was a school groundsman visiting schools in the Reading area cutting the grass and generaly keeping the grounds tidy. He would sometimes take me with him on a Saturday or during the holidays, always by bus no car in those days. I remember going with him to the school at the end of this road towards the trees on the left of the photo. The school caretaker took delight in lifting me up to look into a birds nest with baby birds in it. Nearly 60 years on this is still a memory that I have kept.
A memory of Tilehurst contributed by joe lee

Great great grandfather

Theale, Tyle Mill, Sulhampstead c1955

According to the 1871 census my Great Great Grandfather Thomas Downing was the miller.  In the census he is living there with his family including his daughter Elizabeth who became my Great Grandmother.
A memory of Theale contributed by Anne Sorrell

Extracts From Pangbourne & Berkshire books

Pangbourne, Swan Hotel 1890

Frith’s photographer swivelled his camera, while crossing the little River Pang which reaches the Thames here, and walked a few yards along the bank to capture this view back upstream towards the recently rebuilt weir. The Swan Inn, whose outbuilding close to the weir survives, claims to date back to 1642.
An extract from from"Down the Thames Photographic Memories".

Pangbourne, Weir 1890

The village of Streatley can be seen nestling between the Thames and the steep escarpment of the chalk downs, which are dotted with yews and junipers. The river is wide and shallow at this point.
An extract from from"Berkshire Photographic Memories".

Pangbourne, Whitchurch Bridge 1890

The Thames emerges from the Goring Gap at Pangbourne, and the valley widens out again. This view looks downstream from the riverside garden of Waterside House towards Whitchurch Bridge. This late Victorian iron bridge renewed a timber bridge erected in 1792 to replace a ferry, and is one of few surviving toll bridges (cars 10p).
An extract from from"Down the Thames Photographic Memories".

Pangbourne, the Pang 1890

Whitchurch is Pangbourne’s nearest neighbour. This photograph captures the atmosphere and feel of the village around the turn of the century. Sir John Soane, who rebuilt the Bank of England, was born here.
An extract from from"Berkshire Pocket Album".

Pangbourne, the Pang 1890

This view shows the famous toll bridge linking Pangbourne with neighbouring Whitchurch, which is still in private ownership today. The bridge, which spans the Thames, is famous locally for its distinctive cast iron lattice design.
An extract from from"Berkshire Photographic Memories".