Nostalgic memories of Manningtree's local history

Share your own memories of Manningtree 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 all 8 Memories

I remember going into a cafe in Manningtree that had paintings on the walls for sale, by a local artist. I wonder does anyone else remember this? I would like to know the name of the cafe and the name of the artist. Thanks. PamRG
My mother grew up in manningtree, living in the house with the three people standing outside. Standing in the door are my aunt Barbara and either my mother Janet, or her sister Julie. The lady standing on the path, we think, is my great aunt Aggie, we also think the motor bike and side car belonged to Aggies brother Jack.
i grew up above the old gas showrooms between 1964 and 1975 wen we moved to clacton on sea i have recently had the pleasure to catch up with a few old school friends and people who knew me when i was dee jaying on a disco at the red lion pub in south street in the early 1980s
i was the youngest walker at the age of 10 years old in 19701971
Essex has the unhappy distinction of having executed more witches than any other county in England’s history, and the first major trial for witchcraft itself, as the main indictment, took place in Chelmsford in 1566 when 63-year-old Agnes Waterhouse of Hatfield Peverell was found guilty and hanged. One of the most unpleasant characters in the county’s story was Matthew Hopkins, who lived at ...see more
I lived in Brook Street with my family between about 1958 and 1967. We lived at the bottom of the road nearest the High Street and opposite a large pond, which was a source of great entertainmanet to me and my sister at times! We watched local firemen practice fire drill, unrolling huge hoses and aiming the water into the pond then rolling up the hoses again when they'd finished. We sometimes ...see more
I have visited Manningtree only once, but I have an interest in the area as my father (Donald Turner) is tracing our family tree and he has discovered that one of our ancestors - Elizabeth Goodwin was tried and hung as one of the witches of Manningtree  by Matthew Hopkins!  She was accused of casting a spell on a grocers horse, and making it die after he refused to give her credit to buy cheese.  
Starting school for the first time was at Mistley Norman School, my first teacher was Miss Temple in the infants we were given a slate board and slate pencil one thing that sticks in my memory we all had a small mattres and after dinner we all had to have a nap.Then we moved from the prefabs to Lawford soI was sent to Lawford School in Wignal Street. Transport was bike or on foot sometimes my friend and I ...see more