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An Historical Photographic Archive of National Importance

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Nostalgic memories of Coulsdon's local history

Share your own memories of Coulsdon 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 Coulsdon

Displaying Memories 11 - 18 of 18 in total

Coming Home!
I loved this school. The first time I set foot inside the grounds I knew I had found the place I was supposed to be. Passing the 11 plus was unheard of in my family, I knew it was my means of escape from drudgery and the school itself exemplified this. Did I already see the beauty of correct proportions as an orphan aged eleven? Of course I did! And I was allowed to go every day. I loved that big oak and it's deep ...see more
Coulsdon, Purley County Grammar School c1955
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Added 21 August 2013

Farthing Downs
I lived on the Tollers Lane estate and spent many happy summer school holidays exploring Farthing Downs...I remember the summers were always hot then. We used to often go to Chaldon Church. In winter my uncle used to take me sledging on the big slope on the Downs. I can just about remember the prefabs but they were demolished to build flats on the estate.
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Added 27 April 2013

Old Coulsdon
I grew up on Tollers Lane, my mother and uncle still live there. My mum was always involved with the church - we used to go to St Johns church. I have lovley memories of my child hood on Tollers Lane - our house backed on to Fathing Downs, it was great.
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Added 22 November 2012

Another Coulsdon Playground
I lived in Tollers Lane, Old Coulsdon 1946-59 before moving to Coulsdon Rise. Farthing Downs was one of our favourite play spaces. Walking down the rough lane opposite our house to Tollers Farm, on down into Happy Valley and up through Devilsden Woods to the Downs. We built camps along the way and cut hazel to make our catapults, bows and arrows, and cow-parsley stems for our pea-shooters. We would ride ...see more
Coulsdon, Farthing Down c1955
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Added 26 January 2011

One Of My Playgrounds
I lived in Tollers Lane, Old Coulsdon and would regularly go to the Marlpit Lane rec' to play rounders, football and hide and seek around the memorial. There was a hole in the chain-link fence behind the memorial which gave us access into the working chalk pits and the goods yard and sidings of Coulsdon North Station. We hunted for lizards and slow worms amongst the debris and building materials stacked in the ...see more
Coulsdon, the Recreation Ground c1955
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Added 26 January 2011

T Walton Greengrocers
I used to work in the greengrocers situated on Brighton Road near the junction of Malcolm Road. I used to do deliveries on the carrier bike around Coulsdon and work in the shop. But after 15 months I had to leave as I was transfered to Streatham and being only 15 and living in Caterham and using buses, it was too far to travel.
Coulsdon, Brighton Road c1955
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Added 06 January 2011

Visiting As A Child
My memories of Coulsdon are very vague as  I live in Scotland. My Father met a wonderful man named Bernard during the 2nd world war.who came from Coulsdon.    Bernard was over 7 feet tall and this is the only thing I remember about him apart from his lovely nature. We visited Coulsdon several times to live with Bernard and his family. I have a feeling it was army houses though I am not sure if this was the ...see more
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Added 05 December 2007

Sunday School
I used to attend Sunday School classes at this church, when we lived in The Drive Coulsdon from 1962 to 1965. One day after church my Mum, who had come to meet me, had an old holdall in which was the prettiest tortoiseshell kitten which we named Cindy.
Coulsdon, St Andrew's Church c1965
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Added 21 September 2007