Byfield, High Street c.1955

Photo ref: B703002

We moved to Byfield in May 1952 when my dad got a job on the railway at Woodford. We had previously lived in Northampton and Byfield seemed a whole new world. There was Mrs Davies who had the sweet shop (remembered the coconut chips - a great favourite to spend pocket money on); Fat Smith the bakers where you could take your Sunday roast to be cooked; Jack Bods where you could get (almost) everything, ...see more

Looking at modern Byfield I am truly amazed and impressed with the changes that have taken place. I was born in village in1942 went to Byfield School and then Towcester Grammar School until 1960. The village was very self sufficient ,if sleepy, with grocers Adams,s,Co-Op and Russell's; butchers George Freeman and Tom Montgomery; 4 pubs Rose &Crown,the Bell ,White Lion and New Inn plus the then ...see more

The house on the corner with the conifers....bottom of Dolls Hill? The old gentleman ( he seemed old to a 6yr old) had an aviary full of budgies. I was always hoping when he saw me coming home from school he would let me into the garden for a closer look. He never did, but I loved his garden.

My gran, DOROTHY AYRES lived in Byfield for alot of years till recently, due to ill health. My memories of stopping there in summer holidays are great. Boddington Road was a funny road, busy but not busy. I remember the person who had the budgies at the top of the road, used to spend ages watching them.