Nostalgic memories of Brentford's local history
Share your own memories of Brentford 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 21 - 30 of 58 in total
Hello all, I lived at 38 York road just of the Great west road, I loved growing up in Brentford and would love to move back, but I am having problems in finding old friends. I am trying to find someone who I miss a lot so if anyone can help me I am looking to find anyone who lived of Boston Manor road at the Mall, they are flats near the high street and are still standing, If I can find anyone who lived there ...see more
I remember Kew Boat House which was on the edge of Brentford. There were adults downstairs with a little dance floor. Upstairs was where I went. A feast of acts. Johnny Kidd and the Pirates, The Cadilacs, Joe Brown and the Bruvvers, Clive Dowling and the Blue Stars. Half time stepping out onto the towpath and looking across the river to Brentford Gasworks. Somehow very magical. Later the Beatles film Help was filmed here on the towpath, and also at Strand on the Green.
The first thing I remember after turning left over Kew Bridge was a pub, and at the end of that pub was a jellied eel stall, My Mum and Dad used to stop there and get a pint of whelks covered in pepper and chilly vinegar, then we would walk home to Kenley road. Dad would give me the biggest Whelk out of the bag and it would last me the whole way home. Every weekend we did that after spending a few hours over at ...see more
I've read the memories of Brentford with interest and recognise some of the roads and places my father in law has mentioned. He was born in Chapel Alley (unfortunately now the site of a Travelodge) in 1937 and grew up there with his 3 brothers, Peter, Michael, Anthony (Tony) and sister Pat. His dad was called Jim and his mum was Rose. I would be interested to hear if anyone remembers them. I think his dad ran (or worked in) a greengrocer. My email is fwootton257@gmail.com
What wonderful memories of Brentford. My name was Dorothy Pearce I lived in Netley Road with sisters Beryl and Hazel and brothers Richard and Philip. My Nan lived in Potteery Road next door to Edie Joyce. The Shepherds lived opposite and my Nan used to get her shopping from Drapers Stores (where Syd Shepherd worked) in Clayponds Lane. Fond memories of Rowes the fish shop where we could buy 1d. of crackling, and ...see more
My grandparents and father were born in Brentford, so armed with an address from the census and a new-found enthusiasm for family history, I made my first ever visit. I walked along the High Street and found a large supermarket and car park covered the house and its bakery at no. 237 where they lived until WW1. I was so disappointed. However over 20 years later censuses became available online and the Internet was ...see more
I lived in Brook Road from 1949 till 1968. I went to St Johns School till 1960 and then ArchBishop Myers in Hounslow. I lived with parents May and Alf Tyrrell, with nan and grandad living upstairs, when flats were not portioned off. I remember shops such as Fred (S)mudge the Albany Road butcher, the italian ice cream place - Jeffraits (spelling), Jacksons grocer in Brook Road (Sunday trading meant hide it in a ...see more
I am cycling along the canal and have just passed under the railway bridge. I pass under the great metal warehouse. Quickly there is a rattle as I cross the little bridge by the gauging lock, which is incidentally is a swing bridge. I admire the gauging lock office, where previously I had bought a cycle permit to allow me to ride along the towpath. There are barges moored four deep, ...see more
Here I found myself working in the Turriff Building in 1961. Imagine lunch times with time to explore Brentford. The Butts was first of course, very near to the Turriff Building. You crossed the little footbridge over the railway and found yourself almost immeidiately in the Butts, opposite the London Boatmans Mission in fact. Walking around the back of the court you came to the pie and mash shop. Walk ...see more
In 1961 I started work at Heathrow, and within three weeks was transferred to the new Turriff Building on the Great West Road. The canteen was on the tenth floor. Imagine having a subsidised lunch and looking out over Brentford. Could there be a finer view. The freight trains crossing the Great West Road and heading around the curve by the former Brentford Station, crossing the canal and heading into ...see more