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An Historical Photographic Archive of National Importance

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Nostalgic memories of Billingshurst's local history

Share your own memories of Billingshurst 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.

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

Add Your Memory for Billingshurst

Displaying all 7 Memories

Old Billingshurst
my name is Michael p aged 79 my twin brother john lived with our parents at the old post office with a big garden at the back beyond that was a working mans club(newly built) behind that mrs puttoks orchard where we went scumping beyond that nothing but one old house at the top of the hill then open fields and woods full of primroses we went to primary then senior schools up coolham road both have gone now I could go on and on
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Added 31 December 2018

Childhood

I grew up in Billingshurst. My father Barrie Hunt, was the local police officer between 1969 and 1976. My mum Freda Hunt helped with cleaning the old village hall and the vicarage as well as helping at jumble sales . The police station resided between two houses on the top of Coombe Road the station is now gone. I have so many happy memories and so many friends that I now never see. From the 15th century ...see more
Billingshurst, High Street c1960
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Added 06 April 2018

Childhood Memories
I remember when the park looked like this the slide was so big. The merry go round and the horse they should put it all back like it used to be. Always thought the house named mothers garden looked black and creepy still looks like noone lives there would be nice to live there though and paint it white.
Billingshurst, Mothers Garden 1928
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Added 04 March 2014

My Ancestors Lived And Worked Here!
In the 1881 Census, Elizabeth Mitchell is listed as the head of the household and a widow aged 54 as her husband John Mitchell had died in February of that year and so running the Six Bells Beer House along with the help of her nephew Harry Dean aged 26 a painter born 1855 and her daughter Ellen aged 17, as an assistant. Elizabeth (nee Mercer) is listed as being born in Warnham in 1827. ...see more
Billingshurst, Ye Olde Six Bells, an Old Fireplace 1923
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Added 04 January 2014

Childhood
I remember Higgings toy shop, I had many a good look round there, also Bernard Bakers men's outfitters, and many more. Good days.
Billingshurst, High Street c1960
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Added 13 March 2011

Church Slopes

My mother used to walk us home this way, after I finished school. I got off the bus by the station. I used to go to the Immaculate Heart of Mary School somewhere near Billingshurst. I remember walking past the graveyard, and always feeling scared. There was a stile at the bottom of the hill, Mum had to climb over, but my sister and I could scramble underneath it. We lived in Daux Avenue, in the new bungalows. ...see more
Billingshurst, the Church Slopes c1950
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Added 29 April 2009

Sweet Shop
We used to go into a sweet shop in the High Street and buy Wagon Wheels. I am sure they were bigger then than they are now! One of the children whose parents owned the sweet shop had a snake! We were fascinated. Snakes as pets were quite rare in those days. Diana Dors used to live in Billingshurst, and we often used to see her in the Post Office, wearing a fur coat. She would emerge from a huge white car! My ...see more
Billingshurst, High Street c1960
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Added 29 April 2009