Nostalgic memories of Wimbledon's local history
Share your own memories of Wimbledon 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.
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Displaying Memories 1 - 10 of 48 in total
After attending Kingsley High School in Worcester Park, left there at 14 and attended Pitman's College in Wimbledon, where I learned shorthand and typing. Got me my first job in London at the tender age of 16. Don't remember much of Wimbledon, but do remember a very strict male teacher at Pitman's who would rap your knuckles if you did something wrong.
I remember 1952 the year of the great smog, making my way back from school along Dundonald Road towards my home in Graham Road. I had to follow the railings along the recreation ground because I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face - I was 5 at the time. After I married at St Marys Church up Wimbledon Hill, I moved to my first house I owned at Clarence Road where I stayed until 1978.
Saturday morning pictures ...see more
The Broadway Wimbledon was brought to a near halt in December 1952 for four days. The Gaumont cinema in the back of this photo had to close on the third day because of the smog in the auditorium. I lived in Craven Gardens and the smog was down to less of a metre in front of your face and you could not see your feet.
I left Powell Corderoy School Dorking in the summer of 1953 and started secondary school, Pelham when I was still ten.
On our first day we were asked our ages. Several were twelve, most of the pupils were eleven.
When finding out that I was ten the geography master volunteered to nappy change. This of course brought forth merriment and led to teasing on a grand style. After a while the teasing got ...see more
I lived in Hamilton Road from age 3 until age 8 (1950-1955). As it was just a few years after the war and school places were few, I attended a little private school called Stanley Hall School in (I believe) Montague Road. It was a church building which shared services with the school. It was run by two teachers, Miss Abbott and an elderly lady, Mrs Ridger. I loved this little school but when I was 8, my mother was ...see more
I was also born in Wimbledon and have such fond memories. I was born at 33 Compton Road in 1947. I had five brothers and sisters, I was the second to last child. We all attended Old Central School, Camp Road on the common, the Headmaster at the was Mr Henning. My older brothers and sisters all went on to attend Queens Road girls and boys school. I attended Pelham Girls school, Rutlish Road. It ...see more
I was born in Nelson Hospital in March 1960 and taken home to Burley Road, where I was for my first year, then the family moved to Lancaster Road, nextdoor to the painter: Olaf Barnett. My early memories were of open spaces and for some reason, glorious Summers days spent around Rushmere pond. This pond was a big part of my early years as I then had to walk past it on my way to Old Central infants school in ...see more
I lived at South Park Road Wimbledon till I was about 8 Born in 1945 I remember going full time to nursery but sadly can't remember the name. I do know I attended Queens Road school till my mother remarried and we moved to Swansea, Sadly my best memories were before we moved leaving grandparents and relatives behind. Swansea couldn't compare with what I'd left behind but I had to accept my lot and married a wonderful ...see more
My dad was born at Wimbledon in 1922. He told me that his parents had a family business called Potts corners that included a fish n chips shop, a garage and a gentlemans club. His dad George Potter, was also a sign painter and a French polisher. The family business got bombed out in the war but the whole family survived. My grandad, my grandma and their five children. I don't know if they rebuilt.
My dad told me a story about ...see more
Hi,
Does anyone have any old pictures of Merton High Street?
Although I live in Wimbledon I remember Merton High Street being so nice and have spoken to the local MP about how horrible it looks now.
Thanks
JaneL