Nostalgic memories of Brentwood's local history
Share your own memories of Brentwood 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 21 - 30 of 42 in total
The picture above is of the Ongar Road, at the area by the Robin Hood Pub.
I used to go to school with the daughter of the owner of the hardware shop, that is the first shop on the right. The area looks very much the same today.
My ancestor was John Horsnell, he was born in 1812 in Brentwood, Essex. I am looking for any relatives of John Horsnell. His parents may have been William and Mary. His father was connected with wine importing and retailing. Wiliam was also a rent collector for several years for the High Sheriff of Essex. John Horsnell emigrated to South Australia aboard the Lysander in 1839 with his wife (name unknown). ...see more
I have just returned from a visit to Brentwood after many years living overseas. It was sad to see the town hall is no longer in the High Street. The Odeon cinema has gone & so has the Palace cinema. The White Hart hotel where I used to work as a boy has also gone. The City Bus garage in Ongar Road is no more. The Hutton Residential School cottages & swimming pool have been bulldozed down & a ...see more
Does anyone remember during the '40s when the Ursline Girls School got bombed and caught fire. I think it was the same night the Brentwood Senior Boys School got bombed and we all had three months off school. I put my time to good use - I used to go out blackberry picking and sell them sixpence a basket. I made half a crown per day, Jim Chalkley.
I remember during the 2nd world war years I used to go swimming at Brentwood. The steps in this photo leading to the pool is where I saved a young boy from drowning. In those days the young boys who could not swim had a habit of jumping in the deep end just by the steps - when they reached the surface they would grab hold of the rail at the top of the steps and climb out. But on this particular ...see more
Hi, I was an evacuee & I lived in Cresent Road. I used to go to Brentwood Senior Boys School at Doddinghurst Road. On Fridays we always went to the fish and chip shop - chips and crackling! I would always go to the swimming baths after school - it cost one penny. I remember when the school got bombed during the war - and so did Myrtle Road near the station. I also spent many hours playing at ...see more
I was in Highwood Hospital at Brentwood from September 1954 until December 1955. I made a lot of friends there and have some very happy memories. I was on Rowans 1 and 2 Ward and would love to hear from anyone who was there at that time.
Ah Brentwood swimming pool, such happy memories. Taking the Green line bus from Romford, Mum with picnic packed would take my sister Noreen & I to the pool regularly during the summer holidays, arriving early and leaving late. I remember paddling in the kiddy pool & swimming in the big one, buying rainbow popcorn in the shop & lots of children to play with, sheer bliss. My Auntie Jenny worked in the Thermos ...see more
Amazing to see the photo of the Lion and Lamb, I worked there as a cocktail barmaid in 1962 or 1963, the manager was Harvey Storch. I have a lot of fond memories from my time there and to see it has hardly changed is remarkable, and it was the place I met my daughter's father, we never got married but he was the fish buyer for J. Lyons when the hotel was a satellite of theirs. I will always have my most fond ...see more
No memories, BUT would like to connect with someone whose ancestors perhaps played in this band...it was connected with the Brentwood Railway Inn. My aunt and her husband were managers of the Inn..Henry and Florence Emily Proctor Pope. ANY info will be welcomed!!!