Nostalgic memories of Birmingham's local history

Share your own memories of Birmingham 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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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 11 - 19 of 19 in total

I don't remember this far back, but my Great Grandad (Sydney James Ford), Great Grandma, my Grandma and her brother lived in King Edward Boys school which at that time was in New St. Birmingham. My Great Grandad was head Porter there and lived in the annex of the school. My mom can remember them having to get out of the building because of a fire, but someone had to go back in as ...see more
My father was born in Ford Street Hockley Brook Birmingham in 1936. He was the youngest of 6, 2 sisters and 3 brothers. Ford Street consisted of a row of houses on one side and factories on the other side. The houses were 2 up and 2 down and the toilet was outside. At the top end of the street was the tram station and around the corner from there was Icknield Street school which my dad started at in 1941. During ...see more
Hi, Does anyone remember the watch and clock repair shop on the corner of Victoria and Vicarage Road in Harborne, Birmingham? It was run by my grandfather Leslie Charles Henry Jones (born 1902?) who was married to Ellen (nee Norton), d.1960(?), neither of which I ever met. Lesley possibly had an original shop in Northfield Road, Harborne, which became a hairdressers. They had 5 children ...see more
This area has many happy memories for me. My Mom and Dad, Nan and Granddad lived in Holte Road, my parents would take me to Aston Park in the summer, then I would sit on the wall of the Holte pub and enjoy some orange squash and crisps. This area holds a special place in my heart. Anita Crowter (nee Hopkins)
My parents had a shop in Balsall Heath Road not far from Cannon Hill Park - there was a murder committed there around that time. I used to catch the tram to town and in Lewis's basement you could get crabs' legs loaded with meat! Also caught the tram to the Lickey Hills along the Bristol Road (South?). Always a great film fan, at aged 9-12 I used to go to the Luxor, Moseley, and Imperial - even the ABC at ...see more
I was a young trainee chef at the then posh Pattisons Restaurant, Corporation Street, after national service in the far east. Who remembers the Worcester Street restaurant with then Mrs Burgess, today's site the Rotunda. I cooked a  lot of meals here then the Mikado Cafe at the top of Martinu Street, then the now closed Union Club in Colmore Row. I cooked for some very important people during my stay in this lovely building, now a building society.
Christchurch was demolished in August 1890
Living not far from Aston Park we would often walk to the park to play and enjoy the fresh air. Aston Hall held a fascination for me and I was forever asking to go inside for a tour. I would go in when ever I could and I never tired of it. When I grew older and moved away I never forgot it and I have always kept happy memories of it in a special place in my heart. I suppose it is a nostalgic feeling, reminding me ...see more