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An Historical Photographic Archive of National Importance

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Nostalgic memories of Crawley Down's local history

Share your own memories of Crawley Down 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 Crawley Down

Displaying all 7 Memories

Memories Of Private School Run By Captain And Mrs Young
I went to this school, which was operated from a substantial detached house on a large site at the junction of Sandy Lane and Hophurst Lane, for one year from September 1961 to July 1962. It was a 'crammer' school of about 40 students only, designed to help pupils through the common entrance examinations. Captain Young was very much the old colonial type, with previous ...see more
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Added 09 April 2019

Rapleys Corner Shop
The shop on the corner as pictured was called Rapley's Corner Shop owned by Mrs Rapley in the 1950's, and as a child I used to help Mrs Rapley serving and re-stacking shelves with stock after school and on Saturdays. I loved doing it and spending time talking to people as they came in for their groceries. In those days the sweets were in huge jars and were measured out by the ounce into brown paper bags! ...see more
Crawley Down, Bowers Place c1965
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Added 31 March 2012

The Old Post Office Turners Hill Road
I lived in the old post office for approx. 18 years but my family lived there for about 10 years longer. When my parents bought the property they spent a lot of time and effort making it into a family home, whilst trying to keep as much of the traditional persona of the house. I have a lot of happy memories living at the Old Post Office with my mum and dad and 2 younger brothers. It was ...see more
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Added 06 January 2009

My Memory Of Crawley Down School In The Sixties
I went to Crawley Down school for a few years in the mid sixties and when I went back recently to have a look I found the Parish Church and school (now a private house and so much smaller than I remember it as being) - and I walked down the path from the church to the road. The old building which used to be the dining hall was still there. My sisters and I also went to Brownies ...see more
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Added 10 June 2008

Police House
I moved to Crawley Down in 1959 and for four years I lived in the police house in Hophurst Road with my Mum, Dad and sister Denise, Dad being the village policeman. For two years I attended the village school and remember Mrs Fry as my dinner lady and Miss Drew as head teacher. They were happy carefree days. We played out all day when we could on our bikes, only popping indoors for a drink or something to eat. ...see more
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Added 10 September 2007

School
I was at the village school from June '54 when we moved to a new house in Grange Road, until '59 when I and 3 others went to the Grammar school in EG.  I remember Mrs Fry the school cook, (mentioned in another memory) from when I was a dinner monitor.  There were only 4 classrooms.  Miss Drew was the head and the next class was Mr Mills.  It was a friendly school and we had some church services - it was a C of E school ...see more
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Added 26 June 2007

Happy Memories Of School House
I was born at School House, Crawley Down in 1941.  My Gran and Grandad (Reg & Florrie  ... known as Ducky ...Fry)  lived there for many years. My elder sister Jean and I (Jacki) lived there with my Mum, Marjorie and Dad Jack Hilton, until we moved to Crowborough.  My sister and I spent the long school summer holidays with our lovely grandparents.  Gran was caretaker and cook at the school ...see more
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Added 14 April 2007