Nostalgic memories of Gravesend's local history
Share your own memories of Gravesend 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
Displaying Memories 1 - 10 of 40 in total
HI my dad was at St.Marys i think between 1945 and 1952 when he was then "shipped" to Freemantle Australia. Just wondered if anyone remembers him. He then ended up at Bindoon Western Australia
Hello, I wonder if anyone remembers Patrick David Mackay, better know as Patrick Mackay, he was born in 1952. He lived in Gravesend briefly in the mid 60's and 70's.
I would like to know if someone or a relative had experience meeting him, before being sentenced to life imprisonment for a wave of crimes. Thank you very much.
I moved to Gravesend in 1967 at the age of 16 , I had a job transfer from Mac fisheries in Yate near Bristol.
When I first saw the Mac fisheries shop in Gravesend High st I was surprised to see how small it was , expecting the High st to be a main road through the town , instead I found this tiny historic rd leading down to the river and the ferry.
Mr Iseman (Fred) , forgive the spelling, was the manager's name ...see more
Hello...my name is Joe Farrugia and, along with my younger brother Godfrey, lived at St Mary's from1951 to 1957. I recall very well the times with Fr Baker (think we nicknamed him Fr Backi) with his small black car which I believed was a Perfect or a Morris.During the summer he would take us for long walks...my favorite was to 'Robin Hood forest' or so we called it. From Baker was always at the back of ...see more
I was at the Milton Mount College building when it was renamed St Mary's School . It was built to be a school to educate daughters of Congregational Ministers and Missionaries . It may have opened in 1871 and officially closed in 1971 . It was demolished in 1972 and the lovely building , land and gardens became a much needed housing estate .
Does anyone remember Papas Icecream where they opened the front window of their house to serve the most delicious ice-cream. I know it was a road off Queen Street near the market. What lovely markets Gravesend used to have to. Strongy as we called him used to balance whole tea services on a tray held aloft which mesmerised us as young children. I know you could get fresh fish in the inner market and we spent ...see more
MY MEMORY OF ALBERT WAS A FANTASTIC ONE IAM AN EX MUSICIAN FROM THE BAND OF THE CORPS OF ROYAL ENGINEERS CHATHAM AND HAD THE PLEASURE OF PLAYING WITH ALBERT CARD AT MANY VENUES FROM THE TOWN BAND TO DANCE JOBS AND HE WAS ALWAYS THE ULTIMATE GENTLEMAN AND ENCOURAGED YOUNG AND UP AND COMING MUSICIANS OF ALL AGES AND HE USED TO RUN THE JUNIOR TOWN BAND CLASSES ON SATURDAY MORNINGS AT THE ...see more
My name is Richard Canham and I spent the first four years of my life here at the Gravesend Orphanage in Kent with my older brother Gary. Despite being very young I still have vivid memory's of this place. We were there from late 1959 to about 1963 I have some photos which I will post shortly. I live in Australia now and plan to visit the UK in 2016 I am very much hoping to visit this place as I have been told it is still standing today.
Hi Nita, I remember your uncle! My Dad was in both Northfleet and Gravesend bands and they regularly had 'socials'. Your uncle, Albert Card, was often the Master of Ceremonies (MC) at these 'do's'. He was a very smart, dapper man with a great personality. I was only a small girl, but he made a huge impression on me. He was in Gravesend Band and there is a cartoon of him on their website.
Google 'Gravesend Borough Band' and look at the photos. Thank you for the lovely memory. Dee
My Uncle, Albert Card, had a dance band and used to play at the Royal Clarendon after WW2. My mother took me there to see him play. He was a very talented musician and had won the Nat Gonella Award for trumpet playing. Nita Jenkins