Manor Road

A Memory of Erith.

Hi, I am really interested in the history of Erith and find it fascinating the various memories people have of the area, particularly Manor Road.
Although I was born in Sidcup, my parents moved to Erith in about 1979 when I was about 12 yrs old. My parents, who people may remember as ' Bill and Rita' bought a corner shop located at 9 manor Road (on the corner of Crescent Road) and ran it up until about 1988. I think that they bought the shop from the 'Coshall' family but not completely sure about the name.No doubt someone can confirm or correct me. I would love to hear about any memories people have about the shop. I know Mum and Dad knew so many people in the area and would never be short of stories about who had done what. They would hear all the gossip ! Particular people I remember is 'Nat' who lived at no 11 Manor Road and Mr and Mrs Brown who lived a few doors further on.

I note that there were some questions on this forum about houses in Manor Road with odd numbers below number 9. All I can say is that I do not remember these. Sadly, these houses must have been demolished a long time ago because where no 1-7 must have been located is now a KFC and before that was Erith Squash club.

Like so many others I have fond memories of Erith. I remember the cinema at the end of Pier Road, it was great for the local community. For those who don't know, it was then transformed to a bingo hall and then about ten years ago it was converted into flats.

My parents also bought no 30 Manor Road in about 1987. This was an old run down property with an unused shop at the front. It was located on the corner of Alexandra Road. It would be interesting to know if anyone knew anyone who lived at the address before ? Opposite this address was Jean and Ted Stutsbury who lived at number 28 Manor Road with their son and daughter. Another lovely family and long term residents of Erith.

As I grew up I remained in Erith and lived at 22 Alexandra Road from 1988 to 2008. This was a fantastic road with great community spirit. My neighbours at 24 were Berry and Len MARTIN, lovely people who lived in Erith all their lives and I am sure will be known to many. Berry told me stories of how there was fields at the back of the house and I think an orchard at some stage !