Nostalgic memories of Luton's local history
Share your own memories of Luton 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 41 - 50 of 78 in total
I lived in Luton from 1958 - 1961 and attended the Grammar School. I have spent most of the rest of my life abroad but returned for a nostalgic visit recently.
Luton in those days had a definite Victorian feel about. I remember going to the jug and bottle window at a pub opposite the parish church at age 14 and putting on a deep voice to buy mild beer. 9 pence a pint.
I was not a good student and headmaster ...see more
Not sure of the exact year but my mum used to tell us tales of the riots and burning down of the old town hall. she was born in 1905 so I guess it must have been about 1920'ish.
I started work at Vauxhalls in August 1956. I was an office boy in "P" block for 13 months before going on to do a 5 year apprenticeship. There were 250 draughtsmen, about 50 engineers and me and 1 other office boy had 3 bosses. Bill Cox, John Soddy and Vic Cherry...they ran my ar$e ragged for 13 months, but on reflection they were great times...
I remember a slaughterhouse entrance tucked in the corner where the cattle entered. One escaped one day, charged up Chapel Street in a rage.
I went to Luton Technical College in 1948. I remember the balcony surrounding the main hall. We had to march all the way to Popes Meadow for our sports afternoon, quite a hike as I remember. I spent 2 years there. My main memory was the fact that you weren't caned there, you had to write lines instead, no fewer than 500 times. I can still remember one of the lines although I am nearly eighty, it goes like ...see more
I spent many childhood days at the corn exchange in Luton as my grandfather, Percy Brewer, was the attendant in charge of the toilets for many years. Prior to this he was the stage manager at the Grand Theatre in Waller Street opposite the Luton indoor swimming pool.
I was in Alexander Hospital as a boy of 8 years old with medical problems. I can recall a Mr Hammonds came every week to take some of us to the local church service. I also remember the teacher Miss Latter who came to teach us, she had an old Austin car. A man came each week on his motorbike and ran a boys cubs group. On one occasion we were taken somewhere along a road to watch a lot of men running. I later ...see more
I apprenticed at Luton Airport, having been a 'spotter' as a boy, you could stand next to a five foot fence adjacent to the taxiway and almost touch the wings as they went past! No terror worries then. I joined Court Line, who were Autair before that. The plane on the apron is a Handley Page Herald, built at Hatfield (now an industrial estate). They also flew a DC3 and Airspeed Ambassadors (of Munich aircrash, Man United infamy).
I have three photos taken in Luton of my ancestors taken around 1903, 1907 and 1910, two of weddings and one of a family group. Would you like copies of these for free? Also, I have another one of Castle street but have misplaced it at the moment. I can email them to you if you would like. I would like you to email me some copies of your photos in exchange. Thanks. Jan
I remember going with my Grandma Setchel to the Corn Exchange and going and having a cup of tea in the cafe there, and also the toilets. I also remember Park St roundabout and the dentist there where I had my first tooth out. Just down the road, on the other side, was the Cock Inn and a couple buildings further was the Cattle Market. On the other side there was a fish and chip shop on the corner of the alley ...see more