Nostalgic memories of Botesdale's local history

Share your own memories of Botesdale 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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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

Displaying all 4 Memories

My grandfather, Jim Kenchington, bought St. Catherines in 1961. It is the first house (partial) on the right, next door to Lasts Butchers. It was in a very sorry state when he bought it (for £900!) There was an article in the local newspaper The Journal on April 7, 1961 when he uncovered the original doorway from the 1300s with the dragons carved in the lintel. "Dragons Return to Botesdale" was the headline! Basil ...see more
The butcher's shop in Botesdale was my grandad's, his name was Last but my grandmother's maiden name was Grimes. My grandfather ran the buisness with his family for many years. My grandmother's family came from Hockwold and Methwold. My grandmother's family had a butcher's shop in Hockwold.
My dad Rowland Cook took over Lasts butchers in 1985. I grew up in The Maltings which was attached to the shop and is the house on the right hand side of the photo with the big bay window from the age of 11 until I left home when I was 20. My parents ran the shop for 10 years before it closed and they moved on. The shop has since been demolished and a nasty modern house has replaced it which ...see more
In 1954 I was assigned as a second Lieutenant United States Weather Forecaster to RAF Sheperds Grove. After a few months living on the base I moved to a Pub in Botesdale, but unfortunately I do not remember the name. Several rooms were available. Please let me know the name. L. I. Miller