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. Kent
  3. Staplehurst
  4. Memories

Nostalgic memories of Staplehurst's local history

Share your own memories of Staplehurst 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 Staplehurst

Displaying all 8 Memories

Anthony Guselli
All the family stayed there from 1949 to 1955, best time of our lives
Contact Contributor
Add Comment
Added 05 July 2020

Hurst House Private School
I attended this school from 1949 until 1952. Headmaster Hugh Parrington, teachers Miss Ethel Mordaunt and Miss Ina Offen. Unconventional education but enjoyable. Does anyone else remember it? When was it established and when closed down? Rita Acott (nee Bennett)
Contact Contributor
Add Comment
Added 18 April 2019

Hop Picking
I remember going Hopping as a child with my mum and older sister, my nan, aunt and cousins. We stayed in huts on what I think was called Humphries Farm, Nr The Cross at Hands, Staplehurst Kent. Does anyone know if the Farm still exists? I remember the adults on a Sunday would visit The Lord Raglan Pub.
Read Comments 4
Added 19 September 2013

Hop Picking During The War
I hated hop picking. We started in 1938 to help pay for my sister's uniforms when she went to Ashford County School. At first my mother was slightly ashamed but soon entered ino the spirit and competition as to who could pick the most bushells. We had a half bin with the Worsleys having the other half. Mrs Worsley's father had been a police inspector in Tunbridge. The Worsleys were Scottish from ...see more
Contact Contributor
Add Comment
Added 01 November 2011

Hopping In Kent
Now I can't say 100% that it was Marden but it just sticks in my mind. Although I am only 31 now I went hopping a couple of times with my family who were originally from Silvertown. The last time I went was in the early to mid 1980s when everything was packing up. The things I remember about hopping was the huge cook house which had several fireplaces in along with a few old sofas and mattresses where ...see more
Contact Contributor
Add Comment
Added 06 September 2010

The Forties
My Dad was a gardener at Iden Old Manor which was owned by the Walmsley family. I went to school in the village, the only names I can remember are Victor Springate and the Murray family. My first bicycle was purchased from the shop near the school.Ialso remember the day the doodlebug fell in the village, great excitement for the kids ,not so for their parents. The Americans were at the airfield near the village ...see more
Contact Contributor
Add Comment
Added 02 September 2010

Hop Picking
As a young lad, I went with my family to pick hops near Staplehurst village, my cousin and I used to swim in a nearby river that had a bridge across it and arches under the bridge, and the arches were a great place to change into our swimming trunks. I do not remember the location of the river, but recall the happy times we had there, we found a raft that someone else had built, and we had wonderful moments there far away from the streets of East London.
Contact Contributor
Add Comment
Added 16 July 2010

School On The Hill
I have great memories of going to Sunday lunches to this lady's house. I do not remember her name but we had best china and tiger rugs (with the heads on). I was a pupil at St Mary's Convent on the outskirts of town, is it still there? My maiden name was Dalton.
Contact Contributor
Read Comment 1
Added 10 June 2010