Nostalgic memories of Barking's local history

Share your own memories of Barking 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 Memories 1 - 10 of 111 in total

Used to go on boats on the lake ,.ost people I know .moved out of barking ,I live in romford now ,there was a .message on here from vi ien and Carol jordon , but I. Missed it ,I am on face book Roy
I lived in Victoria Road from 1945 to 1958. I remember the prefabs at the Ilford Lane end of the road. The odd numbered houses in Victoria Road started at number 7. I never understood why that was as I don't think there were houses there before the prefabs. I used to play at the stream (Loxford Water) behind Victoria Road. It was all open then and quite an adventure playground. It sometimes used to flood after a period ...see more
I think it was in 1969 that I worked in San Feliu de Guixols, Spain (Costa Brava) where I met and fell in love with Patricia L. Dawe, from Barking/Essex. Pat was on holiday in San Feliu with her parents and her twin sister, I think her name was Jane. The end of that season (1969) I decided to go to England and surprise Patricia with a visit - it was a surprise indeed and our relationship grew deeper. I got ...see more
Hi Susan the huts were located the side of the swimming pool and Barking Abey school thy previously been erected to house the soldiers who manned the guns the huts more level with the swimming pool and the guns in front up towards longbridge road. So when thy moved out there where a lot of people moved in from some other place you may now where. Around about 1945 I made friends with Harriet ...see more
The year was about 1950/51 I also worked in Sainsburys I had been working in Upton Park in Ray's bridal shop and had to go to Sainsburys for my mum ,one of my school friendsShirley Barbara Smith was working there and said why don't I go and work there. So I did. What I mainly liked about it was that you could take turns on all the counters starting of groceries weighing sugar out selling tea etc. Not ...see more
Born 1946, Wilmington gdns. Memories abound of my sister as carnival queen, going to the fair and winning goldfish that always died. Fishing for tiddlers in the park. Even had a stranger help me to tell the time in the park, harmless but would be classed as something different now. I remember getting in to watch the football under the fencing. Mum and dad running the cubs and scouts and some wonderful old buildings. ...see more
My name is Brian Newman and I was born in Barking in 1942. My old man was a grocer and his shop was Newman Stores in Ripple Road by the Harrow, or as we called it, the "arrer". There was a long row of shops either side of Ripple Road. I could name every one, but it will take too long. I will just mention Artheys the bakers, Bill Prutton the green grocers, and Gibbs the radio shop who were my Aunt and Uncle. In those days ...see more
I lived in the huts in Thames road in the 50 s does any one remember the 3 tar baby's their names Tony Emery, Linda Emery and Frank Spall they got stuck in a tar pit opposite the huts . Also remember going on school bus to Westbury school and infants.
Anyone remember the junction of Tanner St. and Church Street in Barking, .... on the corner was the Britannia pub? My nan, (Alice Snell) was born in the ironmonger's shop next door to the pub and her father ran the shop ... but was it in Tanner or Church Street?
I was born in 1948 and lived inn Salisbury Avenue but moved to Bournemouth in 1963 I attended Eastbury Infants school followed on to Manor Junior and finally Park Modern .I remember playing in Barking Park and fishing for tiddlers in the lake The paddle boat was run by a Mr Whall . Is the swimming Pool still there? Every September was the carnival and fair .The Odeon was at the top of Salisbury Avenue and I use to ...see more