Nostalgic memories of Thornley's local history
Share your own memories of Thornley 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.
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Displaying Memories 1 - 10 of 17 in total
Does anyone from Thornley have any memories of my family who lived in the village?
Anthony Mcguinness (grandfather), Mary Alice Mcguinness nee Mcguigan (grandmother), Mary Mcguinness (mother born 1925, died 1979) and Veronica Mcguinness (aunt).
I only have vague memories as a child visiting Thornley to see my grandmother. I think the street was called Wood Street, so I would appreciate anyone old ...see more
I used to visit my pal Danny Parker during the school holidays,his family moved to thornley from rossmere way .Hartlepool when we were in Rossmere junior school I recall the little house 8 Galt street with back yard and low walls.we used the fields near pit were the beck or stream ran through and we found old army hats around the area.I used to get the durham bus up that went through village and it cost 1 shilling and 8 old pennies,if you went to durham it was half a crown
I lived in Thornley, in East Lea, up to the age of 9 when we moved to Newton Aycliffe. I have a vague memory of some sort of annual carnival at which a man disguised as a black warrior terrified all the youngsters. Can anyone fill me in on what was happening? If anyone remembers me please get in touch!
My name is Andrew Tate, I was born in Thornlaw South at my grandparents house in 1944. I was a twin and my brother was called Alexander [Aleck]. I have quite a few memories of Thornley, I remember watching a cricket match in the Illey Owley. The players asked my father Billy, to be the umpire and during the game a dog ran onto the pitch and cocked it`s leg on the wicket and ran off, can`t remember the score. We used to ...see more
I was born at 128 Thornlaw, North Thornley. I am one of 8 children. My perants where Mr & Mrs Coles, Mary Ellen & Eric. My brother's names, Eric, Charles, Lawrance and Joseph. Sisters are Margaret, Mary, Pauline and Sheila. My mam worked in the W.M.Club waiting on. My dad worked for Eden Buses. I went to St Godrics R.C school the teacher was called Mr Smith & the Priest was Father McNeil and ...see more
My great grandparents were born and raised in Thornley Village, Tow Law. Geo E Lowson & Margaret Hunter. Their son, Thomas Lowson was killed in WWI & his name is inscribed on the war memorial. My mom is Margaret Britton. I visited Thornley Village with My gran, Isabella Lowson Britton in 1982. I believe they lived in the 'School House' built 1824. I have enjoyed reading your memories, and if anyone remembers the Hunters or Lowsons I would be happy to hear from you.
I was born in the spring of 1944 in my mother's parent's home, Thomas and Eveline Bowes who then lived in Thornlaw South. I visited them often, and loved to go for walks and going to the pitures at the bottom of Thornley with my grandfather.
I remember the ice cream cart. Yes it was a yellow cart pulled by a horse. The ice cream was good, and the monkey's blood made it even better.
I remember the pit heap and ...see more
I too remember the days when when I and my friends would get the bus to Wheatley Hill and go to the Embassy Ball Room looking for romance. Of course we would also go to other nieghbouring villages but the Hill was always my favourite, the girls were much prettier and friendlier and besides it was the shortest walk.
Ralph Hughes.
Further to my memories I spoke of before, I can remember games we used to play like split the kipper, tally ho, blonk, and a lot more. The summer months were great, we would go over the moors and spend all day over there, if we were hungry we would take a turnip from a field and eat it. There was a place called the plantation where we had a swing, I remember one day the rope snapped when a lad called Lloyd was ...see more
I was born in Thornley in 1949 and attended St Godric's until I was 15. I remember Thornley as a community that went through good times and bad. When the pit closed it affected everybody, shops closed and young people moved to Peter Lee. Reading Ken Orton's memories brought a lot back to me, I knew Ken and Tom as a youth, among a lot of others. When I was 21 I married a local girl, Doreen Bell, who sadly died ...see more