The Francis Frith Collection.
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Newbury

Newbury photos (64 available)

Old photo of Newbury

Newbury maps (2 available)

Old map of Newbury

Newbury books (10 available)

Newbury memories

The Kennet.

Newbury, the River Kennet and Canal from the Bridge c1960

The river is the Kennet and this view shows the junction of the Kennet river (from low level bridge on the right) and the Kennet and Avon Canal (towards the locks straight ahead). The tributary to the left is towards the West Mills flour mill (water powered). The view is upstream (West).
Contributed by David Allen

Berkshire memories

The Kennet.

Newbury, the River Kennet and Canal from the Bridge c1960

The river is the Kennet and this view shows the junction of the Kennet river (from low level bridge on the right) and the Kennet and Avon Canal (towards the locks straight ahead). The tributary to the left is towards the West Mills flour mill (water powered). The view is upstream (West).
A memory of Newbury contributed by David Allen

Allen family at Stockcross

What did they put in the water at Stockcross? I am just wondering as my great-grandad George Allen was born at Stockcross in 1831. He was a gardener but astonishingly he married three times and even more amazing he celebrated his golden wedding with his third wife. The family story is that he didn't like children yet he fathered an awful lot! This has been told to me by my aunt Doris Lacey who remembers her own childhood in the First World War and being rather frightened of George. He must have been tough to have worked as a gardener, became a widower twice, married three times, fathered three families and lived to the grand age of 94 !! ...read more here
A memory of Stockcross contributed by John Howard Norfolk

I lived in No 68 from 1983 to 1985

Thatcham, Thatched Cottages c1955

Of course they had been nicely re-furbished and with all mod cons like running water and electricity. It was a nice experience living in a thatched house and, believe me, they aren't full of spiders and not as much of a fire risk as you would think. We had a very big fireplace in a tiny sitting room and I am a pyromaniac. I remember one day a guy knocking on the front door and, with a very worried look on his face, he said that the chimney must be on fire because it was pouring black smoke. I thanked him kindly but told him not to worry and that I was simply burning rubber car mats!
A memory of Thatcham contributed by Donald Macdonald

Extracts From Newbury & Berkshire books

Newbury, Donnington Castle c1955

Set high on a spur of land overlooking the river Lambourne, Donnington was probably founded in the 11th century; it eventually became the property of Sir Richard de Abberbury. In 1386, Sir Richard was granted a licence to crenellate, and he built the gatehouse flanked by two circular towers which are 65ft high. During the Civil War it was besieged twice.
An extract from from"English Castles".

Newbury, Market Place 1952


An extract from from"Berkshire Photographic Memories".

Newbury, the Broadway and Clock Tower 1952

The clock tower, partly enclosed by an hexagonal shelter and situated at the centre of a traffic system, stands on the site of a wayside chapel, disused in the 16th century, converted into houses and eventually demolished in 1791.
An extract from from"Berkshire Photographic Memories".

Newbury, Clock Tower c1955

This view of the Broadway shows the clock tower, with its three faces. There was an earlier clock tower on this site, known as the 'Jubilee Clock', erected in 1889 to commemorate 50 years of Queen Victoria's reign. It had four illuminated dials and two drinking fountains; it cost £278-5s, subscribed by the townspeople.
An extract from from"Berkshire Photographic Memories".

Newbury, Town Bridge over River Kennet c1955


An extract from from"Berkshire Photographic Memories".