Nostalgic memories of York's local history
Share your own memories of York 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 11 - 20 of 25 in total
I now live in Gisborne in New Zealand and turned 70 on 29 September this year.
Born in Sheffield I was evacuated to York in 1940 along with my mother (Mary) and older brother John. My dad, Reg, remained at his work in Sheffield. Unfit for war service he was a truck driver.
We lived at 23 Winterscale Street, where, in later years my mum and my grandma (Elizabeth Allison), ran a small off-licence and ...see more
I was working at Deco in Stonegate the year they moved to the last shop at the end of stonegate, bordering Whip-ma-whop-ma Gate (wonderful name). I had been working for the people who owned Deco, selling 1930's pottery, glass and Jewellery, for a year. The shop was well known and we sold Clarice Cliff and Susie Cooper pottery, Crown Devon, Royal Dux, you name it, if it was 30s and collectable, we sold it. ...see more
One memory of my time spent at St Peter's as a border (my house been The Rise )were the God awful brown blazers purchased from Moss Bros (of York). It wasn't that they were uncomfortable that was the problem, it was the rule that they had to be worn constantly.
The school week was Monday to Saturday lunch time, after which we as borders were allowed into York itself, BUT we had to wear the uniform (on a Saturday) ...see more
My dad Les Witty was born in York. After he came out of the Army we settled in York, firstly we had a house in Hanover Street, then moved to Chudleigh Road where my grandad had a house just 2 doors away from us. I spent a lot of time with Gramps, he was my best mate. I would help in the garden, and ate most of the things he had grown all except for sprouts - I still don't like them ugh! I loved living in York, most days I ...see more
My first real job, not counting student employment, was working in Godfrey's Book Shop, Stonegate, York. The shop was at that time the largest antiquarian bookstore in the North of England - unfortunately it no longer exists. It was owned by Mr. Duffield and managed by Mr. Jan Janieurek. Originally from Poland, Jan was an extremely knowledgeable book man who had trained at Blackwells, Oxford. He actually ...see more
This photo reminds me of two wonderful years I spent at York Technical College in Clifford St. I always found the tower fascinating, but never learned its history until many years later. I love York, even though I live half a world away now, I always visit the city when in England.
Hello all you Yorkshire people, wherever you may now be... Here is a poem I wrote about good old York. Enjoy. Shopping in the Shambles on a snowy Christmas Eve Playing hide and seek in Acomb Wood Watching Andy Pandy by the fire in our front room Pear drops.. Rowntree's pastilles.. Yorkshire pud... Lupins and Sweet Williams, red Carnations, Wallflowers too Playing on the slide at Acomb Green Oak trees, raspberries, ...see more
As I was living near Monk Bar in 1955, seeing the photo brought back some good memories. I lived at 28 Monkgate (behind the photographer on the left) in 1955. My sister still lives nearby - through the Bar, turn left at what used to be Saville's Chemists and then round the back of Goodramgate into St. Andrewgate. The scene in the photo has not changed all that much. You cannot drive through the Bar itself anymore. The ...see more
Does anyone remember the Longsborough Arms in Petergate? My grandfather was landlord there in the 60s, his name was Frederick Hare.
Another bloomer! This is actually Bootham Bar, which is to the north of the City. There is no such place as "West Gate" in York.
