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An Historical Photographic Archive of National Importance

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Nostalgic memories of Barnstaple's local history

Share your own memories of Barnstaple 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 Barnstaple

Displaying Memories 11 - 19 of 19 in total

Rock Park Swimming Pool
I attended the North Devon Technical School in the late 50's having passed the 13+ from Barnstaple Secondary Modern ( I've yet to meet anyone that took the 13+ in recent years) I must have been about 14 -15 when the school sent us to have swimming lessons in the Rock Park swimming Pool. I lived nereby in Newport Road and often went to the open pool that was a social centre for young people. In the summer there was a weekly 'gala' that was well attended. -Happy days. John Cole
Barnstaple, the Swimming Pool, Rock Park c1960
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Added 10 December 2009

A Crying Shame
The Castle used to be the home of the borough council, but was demolished some time during the 1960s and a new civic centre, which is an eyesore, was built on the land opposite. It was an absolute travesty that this lovely building was destroyed.
Barnstaple, the Castle Grounds c1955
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Added 04 August 2009

First Job
This picture has particularly fond memories as on the immediate right is Darks the Jewellers' shop, where I started my first job as an apprentice. The window immediately above the sun blind is the watch repairer's workshop. Two doors away is Timothy Whites, a name long gone from our High Streets.
Barnstaple, High Street c1955
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Added 04 August 2009

School Swimming Lessons
I remember well going to the swimming baths once a week during the summer for swimming lessons. We used to walk from Pilton School to Rock Park, or those of us with bikes were allowed to cycle and wait at the park for the others. I cannot imagine that being allowed today. By the time we gained access to the pool it was about 9.30 a.m. and it would be like a mill pond, but being so early it had not had ...see more
Barnstaple, the Swimming Pool, Rock Park c1960
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Added 04 August 2009

Barnstaple, Bear Street C1955
The parked car is outside my great uncle's cobbler and shoe shop. When I was eight, I spent time 'working' in the shop for a few pennies The church opposite was where the local Brownies met weekly of which I was one.
Barnstaple, Bear Street c1950
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Added 12 May 2006

Railway Info.
The building on the left is a carriage shed, used for holding spare passenger vehicles under cover. It is from the North Devon Railway in the 1850s and still appears to have broad gauge track (7ft gauge - not removed until 1877) laid into it. Access was by means of a small turntable just off the picture to the left. The Ilfracombe Railway is being built - the low embankment can just be seen with what appears to be ...see more
Barnstaple, from above the Railway Station 1874
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Added 06 April 2006

Railway Info.
Date of this photograph is c1874/75 as the railway viaduct is complete.
Barnstaple, from South Walk c1874
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Added 06 April 2006

Railway Info.
This view shows the junction line which linked the GWR Victoria station with the Junction station - running from left to right and opened in 1887. It must have been almost new when the photo was taken and the earthworks are still bare.
Barnstaple, Haymaking 1890
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Added 06 April 2006

Railway Info.
The furniture van to the left will have been carried to Barnstaple by rail. There were special low 'road vehicle trucks' onto which these vans could be loaded and moved long distances around the country. and it is standing next to the end loading docks at this end of the station.
Barnstaple, from the Railway Station 1894
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Added 06 April 2006