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Lechlade

Lechlade photos (42 available)

Old photo of Lechlade

Lechlade maps (2 available)

Old map of Lechlade

Lechlade books (13 available)

Lechlade memories

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Gloucestershire memories

Piano Lessons and Stained Glass Windows in the Church

In 1954, my father was a USAF Officer, stationed at Fairford RAF Station. We lived in Sherborne. Every Saturday morning, my father would drive me from Sherborne to Fairford for my piano lesson. I do not remember my teacher's name; however, I clearly remember the day we walked to the Church and she showed me the beautiful stained glass windows that had been buried in the ground for their protection during WWII. I believe my teacher was the organist at that church. Lovely memories of a gentler time.
A memory of Fairford contributed by Barbara Farmer

1906

Bibury, Arlington Mill c1955

My great, great grandfather, Frededrick Smith, died at Bibury Mill on 10 December 1906. He was living with his daughter and son-in-law, Thomas Turner, at the time. I visited the Museum almost 20 years ago and seem to remember Frederick Smith written on a wall behind a glass case!!
A memory of Bibury contributed by Pamela Chapman

Brownett's of Bibury

Bibury, Arlington Mill c1955

My parents Dorothy (Dot - nee Brownett) & Edward King lived in the Mill residence when I was born, staying with my grandparents Mr & Mrs Brownett. Mr Brownett was "Head Gardener" at the Swan Hotel and I understand they were renting the residence. Both parents were in the RAF, married at St Mary's church at the end of the war - I was born in 1949. My Mum - Dot Brownett, had siblings Jack (Air raid warden) and Nelly. A lady called Ethel lived in the adjoining cottage heading up the hill towards Ciren. After we moved up to Crick/Rugby in the Midlands we regularly visited Bibury for long weekends and school holidays thru ~ 1969 ...read more here
A memory of Bibury contributed by Derek King

The Cottage

My father was an Officer in the USAF. In 1954 he was transferred to Fairford RAF Station, and we came to live in The Cottage, Sherborne. I was 9 years old and I loved every minute of living in Sherborne. Mr. Hooper was the gardener and Mrs. Stevens came in to help my mother. Mrs. Steven's girls, Beryl and Hazel were my friends.

We were friends with Kathleen Hack and her son Bobby at the Sherborne Arms in Northleach. They came to visit us in America when we left England.

I attended Miss Peplow's School in Cheltenham.

If you are not aware of it, Kings School has a wonderful website with pictures and memories ...read more here
A memory of Sherborne contributed by Barbara Farmer

Extracts From Lechlade & Gloucestershire books

Lechlade, the Moorings c1955

In the 17th century, Lechlade was the venue for one of the largest cheese fairs in the south-west. Wharves and warehouses were built alongside the river to accommodate the trade in cheeses from all parts of Gloucestershire and North Wiltshire. Until the railways came, coal from the Forest of Dean also arrived on board barges.
An extract from from"Cotswolds Revisited Photographic Memories".

Lechlade, High Street c1955

The wide arched entrance to The New Inn is a reminder that Lechlade was once an important coaching town. Stage coaches brought people and business to the town, and in years gone by the streets rang to the clatter of hooves as carriages arrived and left. Dotted about the town are curious small, square gazebos. These were the bus shelters of their time, in which travellers took refuge from the weather while awaiting their carriages.
An extract from from"Cotswolds Revisited Photographic Memories".

Lechlade, the Old Market Place c1950

Lechlade, situated on the river Thames, is the gateway to the Cotswolds from the south-east. The Cotswold rivers of Coln and Leach join the Thames here, and the town is much influenced by them. Lechlade stone was used to build St Paul’s Cathedral; it was brought from 10 miles north down to Taynton Quarry. The town is dominated by the Market Place and the church of St Lawrence. The 18th-century stone building of the Lion pub looks snug, and the 3-storey red brick New Inn can be glimpsed on the corner.
An extract from from"Cotswold Living Memories".

Lechlade, the Old Market Place c1950

Lechlade, situated on the river Thames, is the gateway to the Cotswolds from the south-east. The Cotswold rivers of Coln and Leach join the Thames here, and the town is much influenced by them. Lechlade stone was used to build St Paul’s Cathedral; it was brought from 10 miles north down to Taynton Quarry. The town is dominated by the Market Place and the church of St Lawrence. The 18th-century stone building of the Lion pub looks snug, and the 3-storey red brick New Inn can be glimpsed on the corner.
An extract from from"Cotswold Living Memories".

Lechlade, Oak Street c1955

Lechlade was once a market town, but was overshadowed in this function by its near neighbour Fairford. Nevertheless, Lechlade played host to a livestock fair until the late 1950s.
An extract from from"Cotswolds Revisited Photographic Memories".