The Francis Frith Collection.
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Theale

Theale photos (13 available)

Old photo of Theale

Theale maps (2 available)

Old map of Theale

Theale books (10 available)

Theale memories

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.
Contributed by Anne Sorrell

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
Contributed by hazel parsons

Berkshire memories

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 Theale & Berkshire books

Theale, the Kennet and Avon Canal c1955

Following the nationalisation of the railways in 1948, the Kennet and Avon Canal was closed to navigation in 1951, about four years before this photograph was taken.
An extract from from"Berkshire Pocket Album".

Theale, the Kennet and Avon Canal c1955

Following the nationalisation of the railways in 1948, the Kennet and Avon Canal was closed to navigation in 1951, about four years before this photograph was taken. Francis Frith’s Berkshire
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".