My Memories Of Quince Tree House, South Road.

A Memory of South Ockendon.

Hi

I was born in Orsett Cottage Hospital in 1955 and I lived with my parents at my grandparent's house - Quince Tree House on South Road. until we moved to Hillingdon, Middlesex when I was 2. My grandparents names were Edith and Fred Bushell. I have memories of walking with my grandad to the village store in South Ockendon. Unfortunately I can't recall any names but my grandad would always have a little bag of fudge waiting for me when we went to visit. I think there was a windmill in the village and when we walked passed my grandad would tell me that the men working in the fields were Italians who were prisoners of war but who had stayed on after the war.

Behind Queen Tree House was Quince Tree Farm and when I was little I would visit 'uncle' Bill Stubbins (or Stebbins).
Rumour has it that Queen Elizabeth stayed at Quince Tree House and her horses were stabled at Quince Tree Farm.

Unfortunately my granny had a stroke and moved to live with my aunty in Upminster. My grandad stayed in the house but when he died somebody broke in, started a fire and the house burnt to the ground. Think that was the early 70's.

Forgot to mention that my granny always told me that the house was haunted by a young lady who used to walk between the house and the vicarage next door which had a moat. I've loved sharing these memories.