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An Historical Photographic Archive of National Importance

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Nostalgic memories of Purley's local history

Share your own memories of Purley 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 Purley

Displaying Memories 31 - 35 of 35 in total

Working In Dartmouth Road
I worked at the gas board showroom on Dartmouth Road. It was next door to the bank on the corner of London Road. As well as selling gas appliances and receiving payment on gas bills we used to sell bags of "shillingsis!" for consumers to feed their slot meters. Black men used to call them punch meters! I used to park on one of the side streets off Dartmouth Road and one day the handbrake broke and I had to ...see more
Purley, High Street c1965
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Added 21 June 2008

My Three Years At Reedham
I recall walking past the gate-house with my mother on a Tuesday afternoon in March 1950. I was to start my lustrous career there for a period of three years, leaving in March 1953. Starting there was an real shock to the system. I was eleven years old at the time and this was the first time in my life that I living under the roof of people I didn't know. Up to that time I lived with my parents, brother ...see more
Purley, Reedham Orphanage 1903
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Added 23 December 2007

Growing Up In Purley
When I lived in Purley, there weren't many stores.  I can remember when Sainsbury's opened across from Purley Fountain.  There was a toy shop in the High Street called Morgan's.  I stole a whistle from there when I was not very old.  I can remember it to this day.  It was yellow plastic with one of those pea things in that made the whistling noice.  I must have taken it home but I was soon on my way back to ...see more
Purley, High Street c1965
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Added 18 March 2007

Swimming At Reedham Orphanage
I went to Whyteleafe Grammar school. At the time it was an all girls grammar school. We used to go on a coach to swim at Reedham Orphanage. I didn't know how to swim and I can remember to this day, telling Miss Edwards, the phys ed. teacher who was very strict, that I had read in a book that if you put your shoulders under the water, you would be able to swim and I asked if this was true! She said ...see more
Purley, Reedham Orphanage 1903
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Added 18 March 2007

Reedham Orphanage
My father died just before I was born and my mother had to put my brother and I into Reedham orphanage.  I was still on a potty as I remember complaining that I was now old enough to go on the toilet and have some privacy.  I remember a row of potties along a wall oposite the tiny 'grown up' toilets that had curtains not doors.  I remember a little baby called Paula being shown to us.  She was a black girl and so ...see more
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Added 18 September 2006