Francis Frith logo

The Francis Frith Collection Francis Frith

An Historical Photographic Archive of National Importance

Call: +44 (0)1722 716 376
Sign-in or Register
Contact Us
Trustpilot
Sign-in or Register
Delivery Info Help Contact Us
US ($)
Choose A Francis Frith Shop
 UK (£) For UK & International delivery US ($) For US/Canada delivery
Call +44 (0)1722 716376
0 Items: View Basket
Shopping Basket
Trustpilot
  1. Home
  2. Essex
  3. Colchester
  4. Memories

Nostalgic memories of Colchester's local history

Share your own memories of Colchester 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 Colchester

Displaying Memories 21 - 26 of 26 in total

Leadership Course
We completed our Lance Bombadier Leadership training in these barracks, we referred to them as cavalry barracks (they are stables now). I was with 52 Bty 45 Fld Regt RA, stationed at Kirkee Barracks. One of my friends (Arnie Mccallion) was on stable duty but was allergic to horses, the BSM thought he was trying to pull a fast one - you should have seen his rash.  
Colchester, Artillery Barracks 1891
Contact Contributor
Add Comment
Added 26 September 2009

Donkey & Buskins Public House, Layer De La Hay
I was the licensee of the above for an all too brief time and had some regular customers who arrived every week-day evening at opening time and were called "The Club". Among them I remember a Ken & Penny Upton and a retired local Headmaster who was known as "Casey". Time erodes memory, especially re: names, but I hope someone reads this and contacts me with any information regarding these very happy days.  
Colchester, Lexden Church 1895
Contact Contributor
Read Comment 1
Added 14 October 2008

So Sad
This picture of High Street is very dear to me because it is how I remembered it when I was a boy in the 1940s & 50s. In 1955 I was called up to do my national sevice and was posted abroard, when I returned, to my horror, the church in the foreground had been demolished.  
Colchester, High Street 1892
Contact Contributor
Add Comment
Added 02 August 2008

Happy Summer Days At The Pool
This photo' reminded me of those carefree summer days when we would cycle from Myland to the pool, leave our bikes, unlocked, in a heap outside, pay our 6d and go to the dank, cold, changing room under the bridge. The girls had to cross the end of the pool by a boardwalk to their changing room on the other side. There were high diving boards so the pool was about ten feet deep at the deep end. We ...see more
Colchester, the Swimming Pool c1960
Contact Contributor
Add Comment
Added 12 February 2008

Colchester 1960s
Lived Colchester late 1950s to late 1960s. Fond memories of picnics in the castle grounds with my young sister and baby brother. Boats on the lake. Military tattoo. Returned after years away and though there was change, much remained the same - thank goodness.
Colchester, the Castle and Grounds c1960
Contact Contributor
Read Comment 1
Added 28 October 2007

Colchester
While we were living in Colchester between 1955 and 1958, I was confirmed at this church at Lexden, Colchester. I had little memory of the church, but then while looking through the photos for Colchester I came across this photo much to my delight as this was where I was confirmed. Colchester Castle grounds was a beautiful place to walk through. Every year the Army Tattoo was displayed in the grounds too.
Colchester, Lexden Church 1895
Contact Contributor
Add Comment
Added 22 October 2006