Nostalgic memories of Bletchingley's local history

Share your own memories of Bletchingley 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 Bletchingley

Displaying Memories 11 - 15 of 15 in total

Small Boy On Donkey

The small boy on the donkey is my father, Arthur Wallis, born 1904 in Bletchingley. The man standing to the right is my grandfather, Arthur Wallis senior, born 1862 in Bletchingley. Arthur Wallis senior was the licensee of the Red Lion Inn and later the proprietor of the newsagents in the background. The Wallis family came to Bletchingley early 1700s and for 200 years carried out bricklaying as their trade.

Contact Contributor

Add Comment

Added 09 May 2010

Grossmith Families

My family members named Grossmith lived in Bletchingly for over two hundred years from circ 1600 to 1800. Their are named on the church records. I would be delighted to know if any Grossmith's still live in the area Carol Anne Slater

Contact Contributor

Add Comment

Added 01 March 2010

Childhood

Looking at the pictures takes me back to my childhood, having lived in the village for 20 years. My home was at the end of this slip road behind the large hedge. I remember walking down to the bakers and to Taylor and Bristows, to me was like an Aladdin's cave, and then on to the butcher for steak for my dog. The village has changed but many things have stayed the same, only older. I still go back for the odd walk round. It was great to find this web site.

Contact Contributor

Add Comment

Added 26 May 2008

Bletchingley

I grew up in Bletchingley and have just been looking at the photos of the village which provoked a lot of lovely memories I would like to see a photo of the post office during the 70's,which when i left the village in the late 80's was Lawrences auctioneers,can any one help.I remember going in the post office as a child and seeing a lovely wooden counter and smelling ground coffee which was ground in an old fasioned coffee grinder on the end of the counter.

Contact Contributor

Read Comments 2

Added 18 December 2007

Selmes Butchers

I remember being sent to Selmes the Butchers to buy my Mother Mrs Dora Maynard, cuts of meat. The floor was covered in sawdust and there was a little cashiers office at the end of the counter. It always had a very friendly atmosphere although I used to cry when I saw the animals being unloaded from the lorries into the slaughteryard. Once or twice I saw them escape. Helen Swabey (Formerly Maynard)