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An Historical Photographic Archive of National Importance

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Nostalgic memories of Saxmundham's local history

Share your own memories of Saxmundham 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 Saxmundham

Displaying Memories 1 - 10 of 13 in total

Ancestor
I have an ancestor named Robert French 1545-1590 who was baptised at St John’s, Saxmundham. I have never visited this area before, but will be in early October 2024. Perhaps to discover further information
Saxmundham, St John the Baptist's Church c1960
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Added 25 September 2024

The Exploding Well
In the early 1950s myself and two friends had been fishing at the top of Church Hill, Saxmundham. We stopped at a copse halfway down and explored. Removing some rampant Ivy, we uncovered a concrete cover on a well. To our surprise some of the bricks were crumbling, so we dug around them with our sheath knives and managed to loosen some of the bricks. It was very dark in the well, so we lit some paper and ...see more
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Added 24 January 2021

Piano Lessons
I seem to remember having piano lessons in the first house here. Must have been early/mid 1960s
Saxmundham, Police Station and Clinic c1955
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Added 27 April 2020

Parham House
I was sent there at the age of 5 in 1951. It was run by Mrs Russel known as Auntie Barbara and her husband Uncle Max who kept pigs. I stayed there for holidays as well and when I went to boarding school at the age of 8 I returned for holidays. It was a very happy time. Granny Edwards her mother also lived there with her Pekingese, Ming who ate horsemeat bought in the town. We had lessons around the dining room table. ...see more
Saxmundham, Mill Road c1955
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Added 04 June 2015

Hairdressing
Just to say Peggy Mills remembers the Freeman family & Percy who taught her how to cut gents hair.
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Added 09 February 2014

Ethel Tommy Downes Normanhurst Rendham Road
My grandparents were Ethel and Tommy Downes who lived at Normanhurst, Rendham Road, Sax from the early 1900s until their deaths in the late 1960s. They had four children, Gladys (1913), my mum Phyllis (1914), Norman (1920) and Arthur (1921). Grandad Tommy bore a great resemblance to Field Marshal Montgomery and even wore a beret like him. He worked for the Post Office as a telegragh ...see more
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Added 16 February 2012

Parham House
Does anyone have any information about Parham House. I believe that it was a residential school in the 60's - 70's run by a Mrs Russell. I wonder if there are any records surviving from this period? Regards Hilary Player
Saxmundham, Mill Road c1955
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Added 02 March 2010

Family Of 14 And Still Take In Lodgers!
John and Charlotte Freeman lived in the white houses by the motor bike. ( I'm sure I have photos of groups outside the house with this bike!).  My great grandfather was a blacksmith with his smithy in Church Road. He made many of the fences that protected trees on the Hurts Farm estate.  They had 12 children.  8 boys (Thomas, George, Sam, Fredrick, Sidney, Percy, John and Bill)and 4 girls ...see more
Saxmundham, Mill Road c1955
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Added 16 January 2009

International Stores
A previous shared memory recalling International Stores reminds me that my father worked there, as a roundsman. He would cycle every day from Leiston,  then do the equivalent all over again in Saxmundham, several times a day as he delivered groceries. He had his own band - he played piano - and met my mother, Joan Spatchet, at a dance in the Market Hall.  They married in 1937, my sister Ann was born a year ...see more
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Added 25 June 2008

Blacksmiths
Apparently my Gr Grandfather John Freeman owned a blacksmith shop that was situated just on the left hand side of the road here at the beginning of the 20th century. He also made the 'fences' that protected the bases of many of the trees on the Hurts Hall estate. I've never been able to find any written infromation about him or the 'smithy' though.
Saxmundham, Church Street c1955
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Added 29 September 2007