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An Historical Photographic Archive of National Importance

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Nostalgic memories of Sonning's local history

Share your own memories of Sonning 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.

Add a Memory!

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 Sonning

Displaying all 7 Memories

Sonning Mill
Hello Chris, sadly we had moved from Sonning before your grandfather arrived. Our cottage was tied to my father's work so when he was transferred to Sindlesham we ended up in another tied cottage. I have such fond memories of Sonning and believe it is the loveliest place.
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Added 05 November 2018

Sonning Mill
My father worked at Sonning Mill before transferring to Sindlesham Mill, his name was Fred Hopkins, he was a rollerman, we lived in a row of small cottages with a yard behind the cottages and a very long narrow garden . my mother cooked on a range. Mr and Mrs Vooght lived next door, they had a big black dog chained by the back door which knocked me down as a young child and snapped at my face whilst pinning me down with his ...see more
Sonning, the Mill c1955
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Added 18 September 2015

Living In Sonning Eye.
As my article states, I lived and grew up at Sonning Mill which means I lived in Sonning Eye a great area to grow with lots of friends.
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Added 13 January 2014

Lived In The Mill Lodge When Aged 4years (1949)
My father started working at the mill after leaving the army at the end of the second world war as he needed a place to live because my mother was about to give birth to me. It was unfortunate but at that time there were no empty houses so he was given a farmhouse situated about 2 miles away which was owned by the same family that owned the mill. When I was aged 4 we were very lucky ...see more
Sonning, the Mill c1955
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Added 07 January 2014

My First Recollections
I was born Reading in 1945 and went home to The Red House in Sonning which adjoined the White Hart. My earliest recollection is when I was at the hotel at the age of 5, while visiting my grandmother who was the owner of the hotel. She was a woman in a man's world and was eminently capable of keeping such an undertaking on the rails. She was the owner throughout the war years and raised large, sums of ...see more
Sonning, the Bridge and White Hart Hotel c1955
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Added 19 August 2013

Lock Keeper
My grandfather, Edward Ernest Light, was the lock keeper at Sonning when this photo would have been taken. He was married to Lily and they had 3 sons, Edgar, Harold and Len, and a daugher Evie. Harold was my father and was born in the lock keeper's cottage in 1912 (and was later married in Sonning Church). My grandfather was very proud of the lock gardens and frequently won the Thames Conservancy cup for the best kept ...see more
Sonning, the Lock 1917
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Added 27 August 2011

Great Great Great Grandad James Sadler
To be honest this isn't a memory, more like a discovery whilst compiling our family tree with a new-found family member Jim (also James) Sadler. My G.G.G.Grandad was James Sadler, born 1815, father of 5, Lock Keeper from 1845-1885 or thereabouts. When he died in 1885 his son Thomas William Sadler took over. Maybe if Thomas had any sons then the Lock Keeping may have stayed in the family? As it ...see more
Sonning, Lock 1890
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Added 29 February 2008