Nostalgic memories of Dagenham's local history

Share your own memories of Dagenham 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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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 Dagenham

Displaying Memories 51 - 60 of 140 in total

Chequers Lane

I used to live in the little cottages at the bottom of Chequers Lane. 7 of us in a 2 up 2 down, outside loo - no bathroom. There was a ditch running all along the back of the cottages and all us children had hours of fun playing there jumping across or making a bridge, used to get told off if we went home with a 'booty'!! They were happy days. We used to have whole days at Leys open air swimming pool taking lunch with ...see more

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Added 18 April 2014

Alf Ramsey

My memory of childhood in Dagenham was looking at Alf Ramsey digging his garden. Of course we later found out this was his brother or twin brother. I was eight years old and lived in Weston Green. Us children would walk up a short road to spy on Alf mum's house which was No.6 Parish Cottages, Halbutt Street.

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Added 13 April 2014

Ramsey Cottages

Does anyone remember the thatched Ramsey Cottages in Halbutt Street? I'm not sure that that was their official name but Sir Alf Ramsey lived there - hense my name for them. They were demolished to build a small housing estate of modern boxes - vandals!

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Added 25 March 2014

Queenie

I remember we use to go by Valence House and see a beautiful white swan Called "Queenie." that was in the 50's. we attended Bonham Rd school.

Dagenham, the Grounds, Valence House c1960

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Added 12 March 2014

Brian Walter And Brenda May Matthams, Children Of Ken Matthams

Hi all. My name is Howard Matthams, son of Brian Matthams who lived at 165 Hardie Road Dagenham. He lived there with his sister Brenda May Matthams. Father was Ken Matthams. My dad was born in the late 30's. Brenda lived in the same house till about 2000 when she sadly died. I'm very keen to hear from people who knew my family. Howard. 07919 306084 or howardmatthams@me.com

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Added 20 February 2014

My Grandfather

My grandfather, Henry Lalley, of Homestead Road was a caretaker at Valence House during the 1950's. Some days he would allow me to fish on the ponds if I behaved myself. It was fun because none of my mates could do it.

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Added 05 September 2013

Baptism And A Marriage

I was baptised in the Parish Church just beyond the trees on the left. My sister-in-law lived in the cottage on the far right - almost next to the Vicarage garden. In the late 40's and 50's I used to walk to Church Street from my home in Foxlands Crescent quite often. Haircuts in the barbers nearer the top of Crown Street - hay and bran and other animal food from the corn chandlers on the left as you walked ...see more

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Added 28 August 2013

Prefabs

I was born in the prefabs in Gale Street in 1947, but moved to Campden Crescent when I was 9 months old, and attended Becontree Secondary Modern School in Stevens Rd.

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Added 19 August 2013