Gravesend, Clifton Marine Parade c.1898
Photo ref: 49042
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At Gravesend Reach, the River Thames narrows on its way from the North Sea to London Bridge, another twenty-six miles upstream. Its situation, opposite the Essex port of Tilbury, led to its becoming the pilot station for the Port of London; at the time of this photograph it was still the world's busiest port. The Thames barges, moored on the left, and the local bawley boats which trawled for shrimps in the estuary, were, along with the uninterrupted views of the ships of all nationalities passing on the river, a source of immense interest for visitors when Gravesend became a popular resort during the Victorian era.

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Britain's Coasts

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A Selection of Memories from Gravesend

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our website to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was, prompted by the photographs in our archive. Here are some from Gravesend

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Before the days of viral videos and memes there was Pathe News and runaway sexism. I played for Milton Road C of E primary school football team against a team featuring (shock!) a girl. Megan was immortalised on Pathe News and you can see her here: https://www.britishpathe.com/search/?searchQuery=Girl+footballer+1961
Hi, I was taken to St Mary‘s Nursery, Glen Park View, Leith Road, Gravesend as a baby awaiting adoption. I am curious to know more about this place but cannot find much information, if any on the internet. I know it was run by nuns and would love to hear from anyone who knew the nursery, was placed there as a baby too, or even better worked there. I was there from February 1972 until the end of March 1972. Any information would be greatly appreciated Many Thanks Alison
HI my dad was at St.Marys i think between 1945 and 1952 when he was then "shipped" to Freemantle Australia. Just wondered if anyone remembers him. He then ended up at Bindoon Western Australia
Hello, I wonder if anyone remembers Patrick David Mackay, better know as Patrick Mackay, he was born in 1952. He lived in Gravesend briefly in the mid 60's and 70's. I would like to know if someone or a relative had experience meeting him, before being sentenced to life imprisonment for a wave of crimes. Thank you very much.