Nostalgic memories of Hackbridge's local history

Share your own memories of Hackbridge 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 19 in total

I recently moved to Hackbridge SM6 (having previously lived in Sutton/Cheam). I was told that the row of cottages called Centurion, between Park Road and Wandle Road, used to be an industrial laundry which was later pulled down. Has anybody any memories of that and, first of all, is that info correct ? I even found a very old, rusty piece of machinery buried in my garden. I would be happy to upload a photo. Thank you to anybody who can remember a bit of lost history.
I attended Hackbridge Kindergarten then Primary and later Elmwood High schools Left school at 14 , worked at Croydon Airport as a apprentice engineer for Mortons . I cant say I have good memories of Hackbridge Wallington Surrey , I didn't like school ,it didn't like me . I was born in Senga Rd ,then spent a few years away in a orphanage in Burchington . I do remember lots of these ...see more
I spent happy years at Hackbridge School 1949 to 1954. We had sports in the Grange Park I think. I lived at Mitcham Junction so it was a old penny bus fare or a walk, I seem to remember walking passed Watercress beds.
I moved from Wandsworth to Orchard Ave in Hackbridge in about 1979/80 (my parents still live there). It was a bit strange for me moving from a high-rise flat to a house with a garden. Behind the house was the 'Rec' and mullards factory which is now a school and houses. I attended Hackbridge school and if i remember rightly my first teacher was Mrs Bright. After leaving in 1983 i attended Carshalton High School For ...see more
I attended Elmwood from 1969 - 1971 I moved from south London to Wallington in 69 and can remember walking through the park from Wallington to Hackbridge some of the names have come back to be after looking at some of the posts on this site Aliffe was head at the time I was looking for info about the Marconi factory which is still there though now derelict On lunch time my-self and a school friend wandered ...see more
Loved reading some of the old posts on here....I was at Elmwood 1963-67....but most definitely glad to leave when I did. Thanks to everyone for their memories of the old place, just a shame it's all been "moderised" into houses, even the old paper shop "Gears, I think" was converted to a tyre shop, and now part of the house next door. If anyone has memories to add about 1963-67...I for one will be very glad to read them. Thanks in advance.
I lived in Hackbridge from 1942 to 1953 at the Hackbridge Drill Hall. I was a school girl when I went there and a married woman with a family when we left. My father died while in the Army employ. I came back to England in 2011 on a sentimental trip and when I saw what had happend to the lovely house I was so upset. I tried to find my way around but it was so changed. I am now 85 years old, a widow, and would like ...see more
Although born in Hackbridge, and bombed out also, we lived with my grandparents at 142 London Road and went to the infants school, junior, and then Elmwood. I was in 4B later, I think it was a bit of a rebel's class. Fred Barty would walk us to the canteen, pick up the old powdered milk tins, and thats what we used to make stuff. We seemed to get the slipper a lot and when I wouldn't let Stacey cane me ...see more
I went to a brand new primary school called Park Farm, so then going to Elmwwod was like going back in time. I just caught the end of Stacey walking around like something out of Harry Potter. My brother had told me about the morning assembly where Reg Evans played the violin & I think it was Nellie Perman played the piano. It was horrible as they never seemed to be playing the same tune. They still had ...see more
Hi, I lived at 33 Corbet Close from the day they was built till the late 1990s, my dad was called Alf, one brother, Keith and one sister, Sue.