Nostalgic memories of Dewsbury's local history

Share your own memories of Dewsbury and read what others have said

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.

Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.

A couple at a laptop

Add a Memory!

It's easy to add your own memories and reconnect with your shared local history. Search for your favourite places and look for the 'Add Your Memory' buttons to begin

Tips & Ideas

Not sure what to write? It's easy - just think of a place that brings back a memory for you and write about:

  • How the location features in your personal history?
  • The memories this place inspires for you?
  • Stories about the community, its history and people?
  • People who were particularly kind or influenced your time in the community.
  • Has it changed over the years?
  • How does it feel, seeing these places again, as they used to look?

This week's Places

Here are some of the places people are talking about in our Share Your Memories community this week:

...and hundreds more!

Enjoy browsing more recent contributions now.

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I have very happy childhood memories of my mother taking us to caddys in Dewsbury, I remember enjoying a glass of pop in a tall glass with a scoop of ice cream on top. I believe that people came from far and wide for the ice cream was superb. Happy days.
I ran a knitting yarn stall for nearly 30 years on Dewsbury market from 1968 and made many friends of my customers and stall holders.I well remember Stan Collier who ran the market café,Bill Wilby,curtain fabric,Jack Anderson general goods,Harry Arry glasswear,Tuppeny Anne,toys,and Ken Dean,pet supplies.In fact I bought a Chipmunk from Ken.although it was hard work in all weathers they were happy ...see more
As a young girl my grandma used to take me to dewsbury every Saturday and we always went to meet my auntie in Bickers? Cafe I remember it was very posh they used to bring a selection of cakes and buns to your table, very similar to Bettys Tea Room... Then I would get a bag of the best toffee I ever tasted from the market think it was a family business they had every toffee you can think of, my favourite was toffee and ...see more
The ice cream parlour was at the back of The Princess Of Wales Precinct in Dewsbury, it is now a car park, what a complete waste of a lovely business, but the problem was the family refused to sell the recipe to anyone else, what a shame it was the best ice cream you ever tasted, bring back Caddies. Sunday's were never the same. SuSan
My granddad used to have the car park opposite the market, he used to run it with the help of my uncles, I seem to remember he used to charge something like a tanner (old sixpence) to park there. My mum used to take several shopping bags, fill a couple , take them back to the carpark and then go off with a couple more, I also remember as a youngster the freezing cold winters and sometimes mum would let me stay on the ...see more
Frank; Did you live on the other side of us? We lived in Kaye Street and a family of Firths lived back to back with us. If it's the same family, your sister was Myrah and she was the same age as me. My dad and me lived with the Majors; Alice & sons Leslie and Douglas. I live in Portsmouth now.
I remember the Teachers at 'Central very well. Mr Wilson headmaster; Mr Barber, Maths; Mr White ,English Mr Cass, Allsorts. Mr Stead, PT and many more.
can anyone remember what brewery had the ravensthorpe hotel huddersfield road ravensthorpe in the 60s 70s i seem to remember it was sam smiths ? but i cant remember. could someone help.
My memory of this great and very popular market was during the late 1970's as a young kid and was every kids paradise. My mum worked at what must have been the world's largest sweet shop/stall - Jim's Candy Cabin. Every Saturday my auntie used to take me along for the day (and you could spend the day browsing around). 1st treat was having a different Matchbox toy bought from the the big Wood's toy stall at the far ...see more
I have a old photo of a shop in Daisy Hill belonging to E Brindle - it was a sadlers, it could be 1920's but I am not sure. If anyone would like it please let me know. There is two gentlemen in the doorway, could be the owner.