Welwyn Garden City, Stone Hills 1958

Photo ref: W294055

I remember coming to Ryelands in about 1955 or 6.It was a paradise for kids as only about half of was built and still some unfinished houses on Howlands.I knew Philip Young.and John Spong of Howlands,Illana and Philip Bouscilla,Caren White(first girlfriend),and several others.As far as I remember the farms had already been turned into the playing fields and Hyde House was still ...see more

This view is looking north from the west side of Stonehills towards the Cherry Tree Public House. Just out of view on the left was the old Police Station (the site of which has still not been developed) whilst across the road on the right is National Provincial Bank (now Nat West Bank) . Further along from the bank is Williams Bros, then Sketchley Cleaners. Continuing towards 'The Cherry' is the ...see more

I lived next door to the police station which is just to the left of this photo from 1952 until 1959 when my father (the local police station sergeant) retired. This photo is very evocative of memories I had as a young child living in the town centre. I well remember the buildings opposite my home including Munts cycle shop (they sold good fireworks!), Broadwater Press (kept my mother awake at night when ...see more

Just out of the picture to the left, was the location of the old police station, before it moved to its new home off of the campus, behind the council buildings. Now it's just an open space providing the walkway between Debenhams and John Lewis (formally the Co-Op and Welwyn Department Stores). To the left of The Cherry Tree (Waitrose ), used to be the old Fire Station. I used to live in Longcroft Lane and remember walking into the town and along this route (aged 5 at the time).