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

Stratfield Mortimer

Stratfield Mortimer photos (1 available)

Old photo of Stratfield Mortimer

Stratfield Mortimer maps (2 available)

Old map of Stratfield Mortimer

Stratfield Mortimer books (10 available)

Stratfield Mortimer memories

Stratfield Mortimer, c1955

The entrance on the left is to Mortimer Station and the house (red brick) just right of centre is the Old Post Office. The white house just left of centre is Street House. The building to  the right (and slightly closer to the foreground) is the old water pumping station.
Contributed by Paul Johnson

Berkshire memories

Stratfield Mortimer, c1955

The entrance on the left is to Mortimer Station and the house (red brick) just right of centre is the Old Post Office. The white house just left of centre is Street House. The building to  the right (and slightly closer to the foreground) is the old water pumping station.
A memory of Stratfield Mortimer contributed by Paul Johnson

Theale..The Birthplace of William Frederick PARSONS

Theale, High Street c1955

William or 'Billy' as he was known was born in the house at 38 Crown Lane Theale on the 24th. September 1911, the eldest son of Frederick James and Matilda (Gladys) Parsons and there house was along the lane from The Crown Inn which was situated on the corner.
Billy's dad sadly died aged 32 at Crown Lane / Blossom End when Billy was 5 years , his brother Charles was 3 and his mother was pregnant with her third son Herbert who was born a few months after his father's death. Life in those days as a widow with 3 children was very hard and sadly baby Herbert died at 15 days old, causing added great sadness to the family, ...read more here
A memory of Theale contributed by hazel parsons

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 Stratfield Mortimer & Berkshire books

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".

Wokingham, Town Hall 1906

Opened in June 1860, the Town Hall cost £3,505 to build, and provided space for the County Police Station, with cells and an exercise yard, a courtroom and council offices. By this date, the Fire Brigade were also housed here and operated a steam powered fire engine.
An extract from from"Wokingham and Bracknell Photographic Memories".