Nostalgic memories of High Barnet's local history

Share your own memories of High Barnet 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 1 - 10 of 12 in total

I remember there used to be trolley buses through the high street, this would have been in the 1940s or 50s, and there was a lending library on the high street that you paid to take a book out. Also a grocers called Williams Brothers , where my mum had to queue with her ration book! On the corner of Alston Road there was a corner shop which sold everything, but was eventually demolished and flats built. Anybody got any photos from this time? I would love to see them! TIA !
My mum and her 2 sisters were in this childrens home from approximately 1926-1936? We have very little information on my mums time there as she was so ashamed of being a "Home Kid" Does anyone have any memories, photos? My mum was Claire Ann Parker, her sisters were Phylis and Rosemary. Her brother Teddy was also in a childrens home but don't know which one. Would love some info. Thank you
Hi I'm looking to trace the lads I used to knock aound with during the late 60's early 70's. Back then I was know as Brian Snell and I'm looking for information on any of them as I would love to get in contact with them again if possible. I can remember one of the lads, his name was Ronald Derrick ( Ronnie) to his friends, and I seem to remember he had a girlfriend at the time of Helen (surname unknown). If anybody can help me I would be truly grateful.
I'm sure Barnet Cinema is well remembered, but I cannot find any photograph of it. Another building that I recall is GOTHIC HOUSE which stood at the top of Baker's Hill and overlooked Clifford Road golf course and the Northen railway line. It was a large mansion which was requisitioned to Reuters News. My mother worked there just after WW2 and I roamed freely around the house and grounds. The ...see more
Hi, I lived in Barnet, my father and grandfather and his father dates back 1879, their surname was Lee, from Taperster Street and Dexter Road. It would be great if anyone know my father Brian Lee, he died in 1973. He had a garage behind the Saibury Arms. Barnet has changed a lot.
I was born in Barnet, but lived in Hatfield, 9 miles away. My grandfather was a stonemason and his father Walter Skinner had a Stonemasony business in East Barnet Road. Walter's father came from Wakerley, Northants, where all his family were stonemasons. I spent a lot of time in my childhood (1950's/60's) in Barnet and remember going to Barnet Fair with my cousin Carol. My brother and I used to walk ...see more
I remember being in the last year at Whitings Road School, and having our school 5-a-side picture taken on the back steps of the school. It is the earliest colour photo taken of me and the team, and I still have it. I remember John Brennan, John Hill, who turned out to be a pretty good footballer, John Hanratty who, for a skinny lad could boot the ball over 3/4 of the length of the pitch, myself, ...see more
Dear Roland, How interesting - your memories of High Barnet. As far as I am aware - we were not related to the Sunderlands of Hadley. The Cowley family who lived in Cockfosters, would most probably be my Uncle Joseph and his family, as most of us lived in or near Barnet. Yes, Uncle Sydney was a respected and valued member of the Baptist church - which, if my memory serves me right was near to th ...see more
Hello Margaret, I knew the Cowleys and the Laidlaws, but only as acquaintances. I did work with a Miss Pauline Cowley and lived opposite a Mr and Mrs Cowley in Northfield Road near Cockfosters,New Barnet. I don't know how the Cowleys family tree looks, if you know what I mean. Were they also related to the Sunderlands of Hadley? I knew Barbara and Freddy Sunderland. I do remember the teachers of Byng Road. ...see more
I read a post from STEVEN LAIDLAW asking if I/we remember his grandfather who owned a building company. Yes, Steven, I remember it well and I believe the entrance to his yard is still there in St. Albans Road, but I'm not sure. Mr Laidlaw was my Sunday school teacher at the Baptist Church standing at the Hadley Green end of the high Street. I don't know if he was your father or grandfather, but he was a much admired ...see more