Canning Town is a fascinating area of East London with a rich and diverse history. From its origins as a marshland accessible only by boat or toll bridge to its industrial hub and multicultural community development, Canning Town has witnessed many changes and challenges over the centuries.
One of the most significant events that shaped Canning Town’s history was the opening of the Royal Victoria Dock in 1855. This was the first of London’s docks designed specifically for steamships, which were becoming increasingly important for trade and commerce. The dock attracted many businesses and workers, especially from the shipbuilding, chemical and sugar refining industries. The dock also brought in a wave of immigration from various parts of the world, creating a vibrant and diverse population.
However, the rapid growth of Canning Town also came with problems. The area suffered from poor sanitation, overcrowding, disease, frequent accidents and explosions from dangerous industries. Canning Town became notorious for its slums and poverty and was often visited by social reformers and journalists who exposed the harsh realities of life there.
Canning Town is a district in the London Borough of Newham, East London. It is located north of the Royal Victoria Dock and has been described as the “Child of the Victoria Docks” as the timing and nature of its urbanisation was mainly due to the creation of the dock. The area was part of the ancient parish of West Ham, in the hundred of Becontree, and part of the historic county of Essex. It forms part of the London E16 postcode district.
Canning Town is a diverse and multicultural community with a population of over 42,000 people. The area has many businesses, shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Canning Town is also a central transport hub, with two London Underground stations (Canning Town and Custom House) and several bus routes.
The area is undergoing significant regeneration, with several new developments underway. These include the new ExCeL London exhibition centre, the Emirates Air Line cable car, and the Stratford Waterfront development. Canning Town is also home to the University of East London’s Docklands Campus.
Canning Town is a great place to live, work, and visit. It is a vibrant and diverse community with a lot to offer.
Despite these difficulties, Canning Town also had a strong sense of community and culture. The area was home to many social clubs, pubs, music halls and sports teams, including West Ham FC, which originated from the local ironworks. Canning Town also produced famous figures, such as boxer Terry Spinks, who won a gold medal at the 1956 Olympics, and singer David Essex, who grew up in nearby Plaistow.
Today, Canning Town is undergoing a significant regeneration programme to transform the area physically, socially and economically. The programme includes building new homes, creating jobs and improving transport links. The Royal Victoria Dock is now part of London’s Docklands, a modern business and leisure district that includes Canary Wharf and the Excel Centre.
Visit Canning Town in East London.
Canning Town is an area that has always adapted to changing times and circumstances. It is an area that offers visitors a glimpse into East London’s past, present and future.
Like large parts of the East End, Canning Town once had a strong industrial heritage, but the area was originally marshland. As such, for many centuries, the only way to reach Canning Town was to boat or pay a toll bridge. The location opened in the early 19th century when the Barking Road was built, bringing a more prominent bridge and more opportunities for connections with the rest of East London.
Before the reign of Queen Victoria, Canning Town had no real significance and only got its name in the Victorian period. It is probably named after Charles Canning. At the time, he was a relatively famous and popular character and had successfully managed the Indian Mutiny as Viceroy of India. Once the area started to be developed, it became a busy industrial and commercial hub.
For example, in 1846, the North London train line brought higher levels of industrialisation to this area of the East End. Originally built to transport supplies from the local docks, the Barking Road passenger station’s opening and more housing construction attracted more workers to the area’s chemical, shipbuilding and sugar refining factories. The football team that started in the local ironworks famously went on to become West Ham FC.
By 1855, Canning Town had a new Royal Victoria Dock. However, the local water supply and sewage system must be designed to cope with the increasing residents and businesses. Canning Town became infamous for its slum living conditions, high poverty levels and outbreaks of smallpox and cholera due to its inadequate sanitary conditions.
Canning Town Forges
Canning Town is a district in East London with a long and fascinating history of industry and innovation. One of the most prominent examples is the Thames Iron Works, a shipbuilding company from 1837 to 1912. The ironworks was located on the banks of the River Lea, near the Royal Victoria Dock, and produced some of the most advanced warships of its time. The ironworks also had a social and cultural impact on the area, employing thousands of workers from different backgrounds and countries and founding the West Ham football club.
The Thames Iron Works was not the only forge in Canning Town. The area was known for its metalworking and engineering industries, which attracted skilled artisans and entrepreneurs from all over Britain and Europe. Some of the notable forges in Canning Town were:
- The Canning Town Forge was established in 1857 by William Henry Piggott, a former manager of the Thames Iron Works. The forge specialised in making wrought iron pipes, fittings, valves, and boilers for gas and water supply. The forge also produced ornamental ironwork, such as railings, gates, and balconies.
- The Victoria Forge was founded in 1865 by John Penn and Sons, a leading marine engineering firm. The forge manufactured steam engines, boilers, propellers, and other machinery for ships and locomotives. The forge also supplied parts for the London Underground and the Channel Tunnel.
- The Britannia Forge was set up in 1872 by James Ashcroft, a former employee of the Thames Iron Works. The forge produced iron plates, bars, rods, and beams for shipbuilding and construction. The forge also made iron bridges, roofs, girders, and cranes.
These forges contributed to the economic growth and development of Canning Town and its reputation as a centre of excellence in metalworking and engineering. However, they also faced many challenges and difficulties over the years, such as competition from cheaper imports, labour disputes, environmental pollution, and technological changes. By the early 20th century, most forges had closed or moved away from Canning Town.
History of Canning Town’s New Docks
The increased docklands and shipping activities brought in a new influx of local and overseas workers who needed housing, including a significant community of West African, Caribbean and Asian immigrants. At one point, Canning Town was home to the most prominent black community in London, with over 100 families.
Many of the capital’s more dangerous industries were historically located in the East End, safely out of the way of the city of London and its more upmarket central areas. Charles Dickens described some of these industries as “offensive”.
This probably relates to the smells they created, as local businesses worked in gut spinning, varnish production and oil boiling at the time. Operating outside the city’s regulations also made it easier for companies to ignore housing and business regulations, sometimes leading to accidents.
Canning Town was no exception to this rule, and the area was affected by a significant accidental explosion at an ammunition factory in nearby Silvertown. Although this accident resulted in a relatively low loss of life, it damaged tens of thousands of local buildings around the East End.
Housing in Canning Town
By the 1930s, housing conditions in Canning Town were so dire that the local council started a program to clear the slums and provide better social conditions for residents. Many slum properties were torn down, and new houses, nurseries, medical clinics and even a lido opened.
The Second World War also severely affected the area and led to further redevelopment initiatives after the war. Much of the East End was a prime target for German bombers, and it is estimated that over 85% of the local housing stock was destroyed.
Canning Town was also the scene of one of the worst bombing events in the war, although a government cover-up at the time hid the full extent of the incident. In September 1940, residents were sheltering in the basement of South Hallsville School during an air raid. They were staying in the school because they had been evacuated from their homes.
The school suffered from a direct hit burying all the sheltering locals under piles of rubble. Reports at the time indicated that around 70 people died in the incident, but it is now believed that close to 600 people died on the site making this the worst civilian casualty rate in a bombing raid during the war.
Modern History: Canning Town Redevelopment
Due to redevelopment programs and damage sustained in the war, much of the housing in and around Canning Town is relatively modern; most rebuilding took the form of new council estates, including several high-rise tower blocks, which were popular at the time.
One high-rise block became well-known in the 1960s for all the wrong reasons when a gas explosion caused an entire corner of the block to collapse. It and its surrounding high-rises were demolished to make way for safer, smaller houses, and the lessons learned from this accident changed how high-rises were built. Canning Town remains a relatively deprived area and is undergoing continuing redevelopment.
Peggy leggy steps was on the other side of the road from Mansfield buildings
Hello, does anybody remember the E A Burnell butchers in the original Rathbone Market, Fife Road and Tarling Road. These shops were owned by my Grandfather and Father. I have visited the area today and found the Tarling Road parade of shops are no more and the Fife Road shop is now a Ladbrokes betting office. Massive changes in the general area too – Kier Hardy School has gone amongst other big changes.
I was born in 1939 and lived in Beckton rd , I can rememember after the war going to the Queens theatre in poplar to see the variety shows , I think the compare was called Buttons,does anyone else remember the theatre.
I was born in 1932 Charles, and I went to the Queens many times as a schoolboy. I used to help a local greengrocer with his Saturday morning horse and cart round and my payment was a trip to the Queens in the evening. And I loved it.
Perhaps I should add that I was born in Chard Street which was located in what we used to call Old Canning Town, an area that was destroyed by incendiary bombing early in the war and,as far as I am aware, has remained an industrial site till this day. But I lived in Canning Town until I was past 40.
Members of the Romany ‘Gypsy’ branches of my family tree [Buckley, Taylor, Smith] settled in Canning Town / West Ham / Plaistow / Leytonstone in the late Victorian era – often when the early death of the man of the family made it too difficult to carry on travelling. I know that one of the families, surname Taylor, lived at 1 Chard Street, and others variously and at different times in Star Lane, Shipwright Street, Charlotte Street, Wellington Place, Bidder Street, Tucker Street and Florence Street. I wonder if the descendants of these family might be looking at this thread?
Hi, I’m searching for a john Taylor, Worked on the building trade of canning town roofing and scaffolding. 1960’s i think he was born. Any one have any information (maybe his mother was Italian, i have heard through the grape vine) ManyThanks
Hi Albert so pleased that someone remembers the Queens.
hey is the john taylor you are in search of , has a father called ernest ?
hello , is the john taylor you are in search of have a father called ernest taylor ?
hello is the john taylor you are in search , his father is called ernest ?
Charles – I believe your late sister Doreen to be my Auntie. She was married to my Mother’s brother Bernard [who I know as George – a ‘family’ thing I assume]. They lost contact many years ago and I don’t know if Bernard is still alive. His parents [my grandparents] lived in Grange Road, Ilford and i think Doreen and Bernard lived in Seven King’s at the time. My mother is Margaret Clarke nee French her husband Bob sadly died last year. If you are still in contact please feel free to pass this info on.
Sorry Charles not sure if my last post worked.
I believe your late sister Doreen is my Auntie. She was married to Bernard French my mother’s brother. We know him as George [a family thing although my youngest is named George after her brother]. My mother is Margaret Clarke nee French. Her parents lived in Grange Road Ilford – I think Doreen and Bernard lived in Seven Kings when I was very young. Sadly her husband Bob Clarke died last year and Margaret lost touch with Bernard many years ago although I do remember him telling my mother of Doreen’s sad passing. If you are still in contact with Bernard please feel free to pass this information on. Thank you.
Hi joe , Small world , you are right and sadly George died a few years ago , George and Doreen along with there three sons Steve, Paul and Chris all lived in Witham near Chelmsford as I do now . I think your mum had a sister who I got on very well with when we were young she was a such a lovely girl . Keep in touch would love to hear from you again. Charlie.
Charlie – thanks for replying so quickly. Well that is sad he was younger than my mother as well. Any idea when and from what he died? Only Jeanette and my Mother left although they also remain estranged since about 1987 I think. I live near Chelmsford as my parents moved to Ingatestone from Ilford in 1978. Jean had two sons Eddie and Daniel. Joe
Joe , where do you live now and we can arrange to meet in a pub near you , looking forward to meeting you. Charlie.
Joe , George died about five years ago with cancer the same as Doreen, he did marry again but perhaps if we could meet up I will fill you in with the whole story. We must only be a short distance from where we both live , my son only recently moved from ingatestone I still play bowls there sometimes. Charlie
Charlie – yes that sounds like a good idea. Let me know how to conatct you privately.
Joe
My apologies Charlie i found my mother collapsed at home (Bernard’s sister) so nursing her back to health. Give me a while and we can arrange something maybe at The Bell In Danbury? Joe
Joe , sorry to hear about mum hope she’s gets well soon , the Bell pub is good for me , see you soon , Charlie.
Charlie – I thought I would update you that we have finally got my mother reasonably comfortable at home. So if you are still OK to meet up let me know when free. Maybe short notice but I am around tonight [Tue] and most Tuesday’s. Let me know. Kind Regards, Joe
Hi Charles, my grandads name was Charlie Sage (born around 1915) and his mums name was Nellie, I’m sure they were from that area around the same time,. He went on to marry Dolly Sage and had two children (Joan and Pauline). Any relation or memory of him?
Hi Joe , I can make it on the 26 March how’s that with you , Charlie
Charlie – yes that is perfect. Looking forward to it. Joe
Hi joe , The Bell pub , what time, Charlie.
say 7.30pm? I will be wearing a coat with Saracens on it so you know who I am. Joe
Charlie – assume we are still on for 7.30pm tonight Bell Inn? Looking forward to meeting you. Joe
Hi Joe , I will be there , called in there yesterday for lunch.
Ok see you there – I will bring a picture of the French family and it is sadly the only picture my mother has of George [Bernard]. I’m sure you will recognise them all as it was taken in 1962 i believe.
Hi Joe lost your phone number if you still have mine give me a call.
I am 82 now but I worked in my dad’s shop Gobells butchers in Prince Regent Lane for many years from 1957 when I came out of the army. Anybody remember the shop? Hope they do.
Was Gobells near churchill road I remember a butchers shop with adjacent grocery shop, in the sixties,
and sweet shop Mrs Larkins i think and at the end of prince regent lane was mrs Stephens tobacco and newspapers ,
I lived in Ripley road
My Dad’s family had a shoe/boot makers shop in Prince Regents Lane. Family name was Salmon.
I remember Burnells Butcher Tarling Road, because my dads greengrocers shop Jollys was right next door.
The original 10 shops were Francis-Grocer
Lakers -Sweet shop
Laundrey shop
Burnell-Butchers- Also Benny Rand Butcher
Jollys-Greengrocers
Hartmans-Bakers
Johns-Cobbler
Co-op
Desmonds-Chemist
Off-Licence
Thanks for your reply Pat. Was Benny Rand the butcher after my Grandfather died?
Hi Pat
I was born in Malmesbury Rd in 1947 and went to Star Lane Infant and Junior School. Then Pretoria Secondary (NOW EASTLIEGH) There was a girl in my class from the Jolly family, and her parents had a Greengrocers in Hermit Road? But I cant remember her Christian name. We moved from Canning Town when I was 15 to Custom House. I remember the Ronan Point explosion, it shook me in my bed early that morning. And my now sister- in-law’s Aunt and Uncle that lived in the tower were killed.
Hi hun i went to star lane secondary i also lived in custom house when ronan point fell we watched it fall
my husband was a fireman at prince regent lane, and drove the first appliance that went to Ronan Point, he is Ken Smith and lived in Percy road
Hi Christine.. Only just now seen your post. I think she was Mary Jolly. I lived in the area at the time that Mary owned a VW Beetle and I had one with almost the same registration. Never got to spoke with her – too shy, thanks to having attended an all boys school (the old South West Ham Tech on Barking Road)
Did she have a brother called Bob who went to SWHT? Black belt in Judo and a real nice bloke.
I do not remember if there was one in Hermit Road but Mrs Jolly (elderly) had a shop in Pretoria Road, next to the coal yard. She used to give me an Apple when I shopped for my Mum !!
i think i remember you Pat and your younger sister Liz? – my name is John Andress (Andy) – we used to all go to St Margarets club on Barking Road – i lived in Hermit Road then next door to my uncles Charlies the Barber and opposite Georges Pie & Mash shop (luvly) – i still see Mick Dulieu – Max & Peter Stevens and recently met with Kay & Jack Duffield at Mick’s 70th birthday bash – i hope you are the same Pat Jolly ?
Charlie Wickenden, now there’s a name to jog the memory. His wife did a bit of Ladies hairdressing too. Spent a large part of my youthful life watching Charlie give blokes a D.A. etc. One very wet Saturday morning I watched a bloke have a really elaborate DA. When Charlie asked what he was doing that afternoon the bloke said “I’m playing football at the Mems, then off to The Winter Hall (dance hall in East Ham)”. I bet the “mud” helped his haircut set nicely!
Hi Pat . my grandfather had a shoe repair business on Hermit road it was known as Reids our surname is Tripp I think we are related.
Yes
I read your book, Pat, and really enjoyed it. It provided a brilliant perspective on the social history of the fabric and cohesion of the community at that time and is of great interest for anyone who knew the area, past or present.
Thank you Bill aporeciate you comnent, Not been keeping up much from last year 2018.. back in the game now tho xx lol
Hi Pat fancy seeing you on here, i got here by accident but just reading through to see if there is anybody I know x
Yes remember the butchers in fife road ,we lived in Reed close just around the corner ,went to Keira hardy school from 1955-61
Hello all,
My Mum and all my aunties were born in Canning Town in the 1930s and lived there until they were bombed out during WW2. I wondered if any of you could please recommend a DVD about life at the time in that part of the East End. Many thanks and I enjoy reading all your comments about your memories.
Hi Jane
A friend of mine johnny ringwood has written an autobiographyof tge life and times of a london docklands man. It us a good read, he was brought up in canning town, the book is called Cargoes & Capers. I bought it on Amazon im pretty sure it was less than a tenner. Jphn was born in 1936 next to the royal doc the book was printed in 2017. Im sure you will enjoy it.
Thank you, Ray, that’s such a helpful reply – much appreciated.,
Hello, Just found this site. My Dad was born in Hearn Street in Canning Town in 1930 and lived there with his 2 elder sisters and parents until the start of WW2 when they were evacuated. Don’t suppose anyone knows of any photos of that street on any sites or has any memories of it or my family? My Dad often recounted how he and his mates would cross under the Thames on foot and then return on the Woolwich ferry.
Hello everyone .. did anyone know my now late father, Charles Brown? Lived in RavensCroft Road, his mother (remarried) Eileen Thorp
Hey , i have just found out my great grandparents and grand father was born at tidal basin , 29 hearn street . My grandad is called Ernest Taylor , be nice to hear from anybody who knows him
i lived 44 ordnance road e 16 bombed 1940 now live north london age 88 met a school mate 1951 raf benson
Are you related to the reds who lived in liverpool rd to end near the sweetshop my husband came from there Lesley Reed no 28 m
Are you any related to the reds of liverpool rd lived there till 1950
Does anyone remember the Wheeler or Florey family? They lived in Randolph Rd, Custom House in the 50’s and 60’s (probably earlier than that too). My nan, Annie Florey (nee Wheeler) & grandad Sid worked at Tate & Lyle in Silvertown.I am looking for any photos of the street from any time period and Shipman Road school.
my aunt eileen and uncle pat pepper lived in Randolph rd then i will have a look for some pictures i know i have some
Hello, do you know of or about any Jackson’s that also lived on Randolph Rd before the bombings? Thx
Hi Debra,
Did you manage to find any photos of Randolph Rd? I attended Prince Regent Lane primary school in the 1960’s does anyone remember this school? I can’t find anything on it at all
Hi Debra. Try searching for Tollgate school. It was just off Prince Regent lane, and is probably the school you’re referring to. I went there from 1960 to 1966, infants and juniors.
Hi Debra,
Would love to know if you located any of the photos of Randolph Rd?
Tracey C.
Didn’t the wheelers own the pub on Vic Dock road
Hello I am Lisa Bruns now Davies..My whole family comes from Canning Town.They started of in Malmesbury Rd (the old one.) And they then moved to Exining Road some years later (the first house on the corner) right up until 2015 when my Grandad sadly passed away christmas eve 2014. My Dad is Stephen Bruns,he has 3 brothers and 1 sister, Keith, Geoff, Angela, Brian. And my nan and grandad were Sidney and Phyllis Bruns. Also My Great nan used to own the Fish and chip shop on Star Lane her name was Rose Hopkins but this was way back I think before the Anchor Pub was around? Which I basically spend most of my childhood in the Anchor (Or on the step outside haha) The owners used to have a daughter called Leigh and we all used play outside together must be about 30 years ago now.. I am 38.
I loved going up the raffy (Rathbone Market) and getting a hot dog for 60p and then a cake in Percy Inckles or going to Murkoffs Best ice creams ever..I lived in Shirley Street all my life and moved 2005.. All my childhood memories are from the east end and I miss it.
Hi Lisa,
My name is David Pickles, I was born in Stratford in 1955 (Queen Mary’s Hospital), and lived in Plaistow (Falcon St) until 1989.
I remember someone called Elaine Bruns who went to either Grange Rd school and/or Ravenscroft and wondered whether she was a relative of yours too, as it’s such an unusual surname.
Both my parents are buried at East London Cemetery and I go up around every 6-8 weeks to put flowers on their grave. Unlike you, though I don’t miss the East End anymore as it’s not the place of my childhood (lovely) memories anymore, but changed beyond total recognition.
Best wishes to you and your family.
My friend is Elaine Bruns and she remembers you. She lives in Dagenham. She went to Grange Road, then Curwen then Lister Tech. She is related to the Bruns family in Canning Town but didn’t really know them.
Hi Christine,
Thank you for replying, I wonder if you know what Elaine’s Parents are called please, just so I can see how we are related.
Thank you
Hi David
I don’t know Elaine or heard of that name. But my family is so big and I’m still meeting new members..
I only miss the old days, not as it is now as it’s totally changed..
I lived and worked in Stratford for about 10 years along the Broadway and lived at Riverside road and I worked in The Builders and The Greyhound pubs, Do you Terry White? He was the DJ in the Greyhound for years.
Hi Lisa
No, I don’t recall the name. I did frequent the Greyhound occasionally, you may have served me a pint or three!
My usual visits to Stratford were either the Swan (big pub on the corner – not sure whether it’s still there now), or to pick up the coach for the speedway at Hackney on Friday nights, when we’d go into the Edward VIII by the church.
Happy days – never to be repeated of course. How things have changed, we never knew then how it would all turn out!
Best wishes – David
Hi David
I worked in the greyhound from 2001 for a few years, when Tino and Isabelle ran it. Me and my family always used to go every Saturday night and knew a lot of people in there, was one of the best times of my life.
I do know the Swan but only went in there once or twice. Mainly The Greyhound and sometimes the Spread Eagle.. And Streeties in Canning Town but So many pubs have gone.. its really sad.
Kind Regards
Lisa
Theres a lot more Lisa. I have a family tree of many of them, and my Mum is your Dad’s Aunt. Betty who sadly passed away on the 26th May.
Hello David, I remember both you and Elaine Bruns. My name was Fiona Rowland (now Potter) and I went to Ravenscroft after Grange Road. Do you remember Glenda Smith she lived near you at the end of Anne Street.
Hi Fiona my mum is Glenda Smith!
My Mum is Glenda x
Hello lisa
I knew your dad very well and your nan & grandad, i used to sleep over at weekends, Hopkins fish & chips were the best around, my dad wouldnt have any other. I remember the family moving round to Exning rd cos the offy was next door on the corner. The anchor pub has been there forever we used to hire out the upstairs regular for little parties when we were too young to drink downstairs ! give my regards to your dad, had fond memories of ol “Brunsy”
Regards
Colin “Tommo” Thomas
Hello Colin
My dad sadly has dementia and I care for him he lives with me in Suffolk with my family.
He always talks about the fish and chip shop that my nanny hopkins had, sadly she passed away many years ago now at the age of 81 ish, My Nan (phil) passed wen I was 13/14 25 years ago.
How old would you of been then? My dad’s memory is around that era alot.I will ask him if he remembers you and I will pass on your regards.
Thank you so much for replying Colin – Best wishes to you and your family.
My grandfather was born in West Hamm, and lived in Custom House in 1911. He was 13 at the time. His name was Robert Wilfred Waters. His father had the same name, and his mother was either Eliza or Lilian Webb. He had an elder sister with the same name as his mother and some younger siblings, I believe one was named Harold.
On the census they were just listed as living at Custom House, London. No specific address – anyone know why? What was ‘Custom House’?
Any information would be greatly appreciated! My grandfather died after the first world war from an injury that left him in a wheelchair. It was a rather sad story, but thankfully my father Robert Waters emigrated to Canada and had a good life.
Custom House is an area in canning town, It runs along the Victoria Dock Road.
I lived in Murray Square, Custom House from 1950 until 1962 and always believed that the area was a suburb on its own – totally separate from Canning Town.
I am 38 and Custom house/Canning town is all the same. I know a few families in Murray Square.. A family friends of ours who has been the Decades they are the Jackson Family do you know them?
Lisa
No, Lisa, don’t remember any Jacksons ( not to say there weren’t any) but I do remember a Davies family. They had a german shepherd called Kim that terrified the neighbourhood kids.
Hello, I would be interested to know more about the Jackson family. Can you assist. Thx
I lived in murray square aswell we moved to kent in 1969
I lived in murrary square number 27 until 1969
My name was Irene Bull , lived in Mary Street and then Silveryown Way, loved going to Rathbone market for the sarspirella and Murkoffs icecream. Love looking back to those good old days, may have been a slum area but there was more community spirit than there is nowadays.
My mother lived at 50 Mary st. She was born in 1935. Seeley I believe was her last name at the time.
hi , i remember your name , could have been Keir Hardy or Ashburton Schools?
my mum, used to go to Rathbone market, she often mentions hot sarspirella in the winter time. She was born 1936 a Scanlan, they lived in Victoria Dock Road. She has dementia now , so if any one has any memories to hare or photos, that would be great
By the way Pat we lived the brown family next door to you at 441 Beckton Rd
My Mum & Dad lived in Malmsbury Rd with my brother Jimmy I was born Hospt 1947 Surname Crabb
Hello Alfred, my grandfather Harry and my great grandparents Richard and Annie lived at 439 Beckton Road.
Hello pat leach. I remember your family very well Pat Sylvia mick and mum dad, Do you remember who lived above you in Beckton road. Mr
rattenberry. my sister dolly and Joan have now passed on. Ivy has,
moved to Brighton, Some one may be interested to to know that mr CRIBB
is still with us but retired, his real name is STAN HARRIS. I must
get in touch with my cousin CHARLIE SAGE. have not seen him for many years looking forward to hear from you.
.
Hi Alfie I will ring Ivy and get your number and give you a ring.
Good morning Charlie,
Just a stab in the dark, but was your mum edie who lived at number 36 next to us in 38.
I was only young but I knew edie & remember Pauline who married ken,
Let me know please if Im right
Paul Short , hi Paul Yes your right also my sisters Doreen and Theresa , you probably lived there when my father died when we worked at the BOCM in Silvertown, sadly mum and Doreen have died but I’m in Witham , Pauline in Canvey,and Theresa in Maldon .
reading about charley sage brought back lots of memmories his sister Doreen who sadly passed away as well as her mother edie and there was . Pauline.we were all related my family were the browns and we lived in beckton rd 441 next door to the leach family Sylvia and her sister pat and brother mick. and opposite down a side turning was a
stadium much larger than Wembley who used to put on speedway after the war.brick air raid sheltersin the back garden,hop picking every
September. I could go on and on but bye for now
Hi Alfie Brown ! I remember the hop picking very well they were great times down China farm , the old huts lightig the fires going so mum could get dinner going , that long walk to the shop opposite the green hill, Bert doing the toilets , scrumping in the orchards,so many great memories like going into Canterbury every weekend , likeyou say I could go on and on.
Makes me laugh, the talk of hop picking as I ended up living in Hampshire as my mum and brother were bombed out and evacuated in 1940. They ended up in Bentley because it was the only place the driver knew outside London.
Conversly having stayed and live in Bentley after the war it seemed strange that people would want to come all that way to pick hops. Of course all the locals also did the picking, as well as hop training in the spring. Also spud picking as well , and a few Londoners used to stay behind for that. We also had a field full of gypsies complete with horse drawn caravans for the picking season.I think Mum and bro were living in Hermit Rd when they were bombed.
Patlrick , We lived very close to Hermit rd after moving from Beckton rd in fact we drove along there this very day , we went to the cemetery to take flowers to put on my parents grave. To put it bluntly Canning Town is like a foreign country now , it is a s***hole.
I used to have a friend who lived in Star lane in Canning Town in the late 60s and 70s his name was Frank Morgan he was a drummer in a band called The Trend if anyone knows him or has information I would dearly love to hear from them
I went to school in Canning Town, the old South West Ham Tech from 1964 to 1970. They were halcyon days! Tech was very sports orientated and missing lessons to attend athletics matches and to go sailing for a week on the River Blackwater was most welcome. We were a real mixed bag. There was a really good workshop complex where you could choose between metalwork, woodwork, motor mechanics, bricklaying and plumbing. In the first year you could only do Pottery and being told that if you didn’t get all the air out of the clay, it would explode in the oven led to many a hollow head being made purely to destroy all the serious boys pots. Chemistry would involve explosives some times, again, the wrong thing to teach a bunch of budding juvenile delinquents like a lot of us were at the time. I can remember making several bombs from steel tube packed with ingredients I learned about at Tech. We blew up a tree in Balam st park with one shattering the windows of a nearby house.
Rather than have school dinners, it would be pie and mash at Mudies in the Barking Road or a cafe type place in Rathbone market that had those sugar dispensers whose lids we would loosen before we left. Vinegar bottles and salt pots also got the same treatment. You could buy loose fags in most shops close to the school and these were known as threepennies. It was pot luck what you got but I remember that Gaurds were a regular brand. Ferinos at the back of the school sold ice cream drinks, a mixture of Tizer and the lovely ice cream he sold. I have many stories of my time there which one day, I intend to put into a book. Names will have to be changed as some of the strokes pulled would be extremely embarrassing to those involved and their now families.
I now work as a Consultant in the Oil and Gas business and travel all over the world and it was Tech that gave me the grounding that has enabled me to do this.
I will always be grateful to Ozzy, our brilliant headmaster, Mr Garbutt who instilled in me a love for motor engineering, Bill Thurman who always accompanied us on our sailing trips. Jim Lou will always be fondly remembered as will Fred Mundy, for all the wrong reasons. Noddy Brennan was the schools sadist master who enjoyed cutting lads arses open with his famed misuse of the cane but he was the exception,
All in all they were five years where I made friends I still keep in touch with.
Great days that will never be forgotten.
Hi John I remember you well I was a couple of years above you but knew all those teachers and the strokes pulled Kevin Selby
hi did you no any of the hughes family. they used to have a stall in rathbone street. kind regards patsy
Yes, my Aunt, Edie ran her veg stall for years. Originally her father’s Richard Hughes, my mother Doris, was one of Edies sisters. My grandmother was adorable lady, Edie’s and my mother’s mother. All the time they were alive I saw them at RavensCroft road. They also had a brother, Johnny who died young from tb. Did you know them well .. to me totally irreplaceable people, they had a really hard life, never complained .. salt if the earth Did you know my father, Charles brown who lived opposite
hi . i never knew any of the hughes family only that my mums dad was a thomas hughes.
I remember you Kev.if I remember you went to wok as a finger print specialist mate. They were great days mate,never to be forgotten. I still meet up with John Aldridge (Collins brother) and Pat Parret.
We are all old geezers now Kev but I can still remember the school motto, “Age Ex Animo”. I think it meant have a great time and f*ck about to your hearts content.I may be wrong but I sure tried to live by it!
john aldridges mum made my wedding cake as was friends with him and PAT , HOPE THEY REMEMBER ME
Replied a couple of posts below Kev
Ahoy there ole fellow, Ive just stumbled across this site while practising the computer skills picked up while on holiday. I see you’ve been talking to johnnie Walpole a previous regular in the bakers arms stratford and that he has met up with stylo . I phoned stylo 3 years ago when he worked at canary wharf but he had moved on, any news? Do you remember when it was raining coming home from a hammers match and you took off your suede coat and carried it under your arm so it didn’t get wet? Did that happen or was I dreaming?
The swarve one
hi John I remember all of those teachers and you , im Jeff Smith and was in your class ,John Thurston has been my brother in law since 1976 , have recently met up with Tony Severyns stylo ,it was good to hear about all those old school days
HiJeff!
I remember you too mate! They were halcyon days Jeff. I’ve met up with Stylo as well, along with Pat Parret and Johnny Aldridge.
I will always remember Bob Trew writing “Fred” in the snow on the dri play area and shouting out “Fred’s a wanker” when we were in Fred Mundys detention.
Give my regards to John “Fred” Thurston when you see him mate.
All the best,
John Worpole
Hi,
My Dad and Mum moved to Malmesbury Road, Canning Town from Kingston Road, Greengate when I was 1 around 1957. They moved to a new town after having their sixth kid around 1968 / 69. Before we moved there were 6 children and 2 adults living upstairs of one of the terraced houses on Malmesbury Road, no wonder we were told to play outside and get home by dark.
I have started researching my family history and currently gone back as far as 1776. It seems my family have lived in East London all that time.; around Poplar, Stepney, Greengate and Canning Town.
Here are some of my memories.
Playing on and picking wild rhubarb on the waste ground adjacent to rail tracks.
Tiring a rope around top of street lamps, converted from gas to electric, to make a swing.
Playing ‘tin can alley’ in the road.
Having cut out cardboard for my plimsoles when they had a hole in the sole.
Playing on flat bed lorries parked up on debris in our road.
Going to the lido during the summer.
Using my school dinner money for pie and mash, oh that lovely green liquor too.
Being caned across my hand at Star Lane school by Mr Dunlop and Mr Owen. I remember the Head being Mrs Hood.
Stone frights with the Tiger Lilly gang from Percy Road.
Going to Saturday morning pictures watching Flash Gordon and Lone Ranger; not that I heard anything with all the ruckus going on by the other kids.
Player cricket with milk crates as wickets.
The one eyed milkman.
The corner sweet shop that sold sarsaparilla, my mums 20 Number 6 fags and my dads 1/2 oz of Old Holborn tobacco.
Puppet show for my birthday by a local criminal gang member.
Playing on swings in Hermit Road park.
My dad working at Spillers French, Silvertown (I later also worked there for 5 years).
I seem to remember David Essex (Cook) and Frank Lampard senior, both a few years older than me, firing a PP gun at me as I was wearing a very heavy coat.
Frank Lampard senior came to Pretoria school to teach us football.
Every 5th November the fire brigade always tried to put the bonfire out on the debris, it was a huge bonfire with loads of kids running around it so not surprised.
I hope you enjoyed my little trip down memory lane for us 50’s / 60’s kids living down Malmesbury Road.
All the best,
Tony
Tony I remember all you wrote about , I lived in beckon rd from 1939 until 1957 then moved to malmesbury terrace, I worked at the B O C M silvertown for many years . Great times wish we could have those days back kids today don’t know what good times we had.
Did you have a sister Doreen and as your mum Edie? We lived at 443 Beckton a few doors down from the Sages.
Hi Pat I’m Charlie Doreen’s brother , sadly Doreen died some years ago. I remember you well and your sister Sylvia , we lived at 451 beckton road and my cousins Dolly, Joan Ivy and Alfie a few doors away, I live in Witham now ,. Really nice to hear from someone from Becton road , I could go on and on talking about the old days and all our old neighbours and what we got up too as kids, Love to you , charlie. I would love to hear from you again.
My grandad was Richard tranter manager in tate and lyles my nan was violet tranter née maloney my other nan was Elizabeth Willis married to Charlie Willis children were Mary, who married Jack Murphy,, Terry who married Diane and Jack who married Joyce from canning Town my nan and grandad Mr and Mrs Richard tranter lived at bottom of roman Rd their house next door to butchers backed on to houses on Beckton rd
Great times I was born in 1940 and lived in Addington Road us kids knew how to make our own enjoyment getting upto mischief most of the time and pinching fruit off stalls down Raffy, does anyone remember the fat red face copper who was always on the crossing in Barking Road and Rathbone he knew all as kids and he would give us a clip around the ear if we got upto anything and said il tell your father when i see him, but he never did.
Hi Tony; My late Uncle Bill (Munson) had a shop in Barking in the 50’s. His sister was David Essex’s mother! I was born in 1954 and lived in Katherine Road, Forest Gate. Regards; David.
My Dad Eddie London worked in Johnson Bros butchers in the Old Rathbone market, and I used work there every Saturday. outside was a stall that sold all types of pickles and pickled herrings the lady who ran it was called Elsie, next to her was Ranson’s fruit & veg stall.
Next door to Johnsons was Wallis’s general store, on the other side was a Dry cleaners with the old steam press, there was also a clothing shop called Secunders (not sure of the correct spelling). I have just read a book called A East end farewell about Cribbs undertakers who where at the bottom of Rathbone st brought back many memories of the area. my Mum Molly (nee Barron) lived in Mayfield rd, when the old market was closed Johnsons moved to Hermit rd.
I WORKED AT FEACEY BUTCHERS DALE ROAD CANNING TOWN 1954 1957.rEMEMBER ALL THE ABOVE METIONED BUT DONT FORGET THE SARSPARELLA STALL .WENT TO STAR LANE SCHOOLALAN
My father was John Feacey and he owned the shop and ran it until it was demolished in the late seventies.
Iwas 14 and worked hard but always laughing with Jack and Terry
worked with jack and terry hard work but a laugh every minute
Love reading all these comments, thanks for posting . .. does anone remember my Aunt Edie Hughes. .. she had a veg stall for years ato Rathbone. .. she loved it. She lived at Ravenscroft Road and in the area all her life. Now lives in Norfolk
hi. i was adopted and have found out that my grand father was a thomas hughes do you no if he was from the same family.patsy.
Yes, my Aunt, Edie ran her veg stall for years. Originally her father’s Richard Hughes, my mother Doris, was one of Edies sisters. My grandmother was adorable lady, Edie’s and my mother’s mother. All the time they were alive I saw them at RavensCroft road. They also had a brother, Johnny who died young from tb. Did you know them well .. to me totally irreplaceable people, they had a really hard life, never complained .. salt if the earth Did you know my father, Charles brown who lived opposite
Hi, sorry, mis understood. A long long time ago I went with my Aunt Edie to see Uncle Tom .. remember it well because I was young and it all seemed scary. It was the only time i went to see him but ut was quite close to RavensCroft road. I have no idea if it is the same Tom, he was old and this would have been around 1960. All very vague and unfortunately no one left to ask.
i had my dna done and vera i dont no her other name came up as a second cousin to me. i think her nan ester was my grand dads sister.
Yes, there was an Esther at my grandmother’s funeral, again so vague, I only met her that one time. But I remember asking how it was that I had never seen so many of the relatives that were there, before. The answer was they had little contact because they were in her father’s side of the family (Richard Hughes ) which could make sense. A long time ago 70s I would think Very sorry, no one left to ask
thank you any way. i think richard was thomas hughes dad.
We were registered with Johnsons after the war. I can remember the machine making sausages, fascinating! The Ransons were distant relations of my Mum. They had a yard over the other side of Raffy, near the Sasperella stall. In the early days of the war I was sick in the gutter for some reason and the sasperella lady gave me a glass of the stuff to settle my stomach. The Ranson family also had a stall at the top of Raffy, George & Vi, next to Della Mura Ice Cream stall.
I went to school with Kate Thake, daughter of old Kate, the Matriarch who ran a shop and several stalls. Two stalls were situated towards the bottom of Raffy near Wise’s bakers (Best Hot Cross Buns in the world), I used to run errands for neighbours and often had to buy eels. The eels were in steel containers, all wriggling around. The lady would select some eels, cut off their heads and tails and chop them into pieces. It was gruesome but as I was deeply in love with the lady, despite my being about 12 and her wearing a blood stained apron. I have recently found out that she was married to a right East End hardpan so I do keep my eyes peeled!
Hi, i lived in the old Percy road along by the nissan huts.I went to Star Lane then on to Eastlea. Does anyone remember this area? Just came across this site.
Yes I know a girl in Percy rd her name was Rita melondine About 1958 , went to Pretoria school 1958 till 1961.
Yes Carl I came from Addington Rd from 1940 till I married in 1961 my sister still lives their
Yes iwas born in 25 Clarence road 1940 went to Star lane Pretoria road then South west ham tech.Also worked in Feacy butchers Dale road and when young worked in bobs dairy.
I lived at no 23 clarence rd left in1950 lafont member your name my surname was Howard I’ve got a brother Derek went to star lane did you know the Holbrooks who lived opposite nice family had a son fred
Hallo maureen.i remember you as being a very attractive young lady..Fred was my elder brother sadly passed.My name is Helen I was 10 tyears younger than Fred..I remember you your brother. Derek and Mr&Mrs Lee who lived down stairs to you .and the Reids next door.Margaret was my school friend.lv only answered your letter because of the nice things you had to say about my family.HelenCarter formally
HOlDBROOK.
I’m from the SEATONS AND WEBBS…. Silvertown and Canningtown…. Circa 1900s…. They moved to Barking and Forestgate in 1920 till 1950….when my Mum married Dennis Collins in Sparsholt Lane. They emigrated to Australia in 1953.
My mum’s sister Vera Jones married William Webb who was born in 1920 and lived in Lawrence Street.
Hi I am sue’s Partner Ray ! Essex UK. Dennis Collins is sues dads Brother Reg … Sue now lives in Essex and I’ve just found this post by complete accident. Sue is going to write to Kate to let her know that we found her five year old post by a complete fluke ! Amazing …
Bless you Kate, We remember you And we remember the lovely evening and meal in Theydon Bois, Essex UK.. small world. It just gets smaller Ray Hill on Behalf of Sue Collins …
My Dad was from Silver town and called John Collins. He was born in 1918. He married my mum in 1939, she was Doris Lashmar. They lived with her parents in Hayday Road until 1952. I do know he had brothers but don’t know what their names were.
I have just opened up some old memories with the publishing of the 1939 register on Ancestry.
My mum was Gladys Jones born 1924 older sister Vera and younger sister Iris (Bubs). They lived in Maud Street with my grandfather Edwin who was a sewage worker and staunch trade unionist. My maternal grand mother died in 1934 aged 33 when mum was 10. Mum used to talk of Rathbone Street market but I thought nothing of it when growing up, mum and dad died in 2005. Mum was bombed out and moved to New Road Chingford where she met dad at a dance in Walthamstow where dad lived and I was born 55 Glenthorne Road.Mum was bought up I believe by aunt Lena, but was never really talked about. I now have a large family tree on Ancestry but would love to hear from anybody who might have known the family and can fill in some gaps.My grandfather died relatively young at 63 with lung problems almost certainly from his days in the sewers.They are buried in Plaistow cemetery. Thanks Graham Rutledge
My mother, who was born in 1924, lived at 140, Clarence Road with her parents Daisy and Ernest Bailey and her brothers. My mum went to Star Lane school.
Hi Elaine
Apparently my father (now deceased) named Lewis (Louis) Terry was fostered to an Aunt in Clarence Road, Canning Town in the 1920s, her name was Fanny Wells and she had a husband called Leonard who died during the 1920s, when my father, who would have been 10 years old in 1928, was eventually taken in by Barnardos. I have always wondered what became of Fanny Wells and her family. I am now in my 70s and have only recently begun researching my father’s background.
I wondered if your mother may have known the Wells family.
Just leaving this message on the off chance you may have some information!
Many thanks.
Ann
(Ann Terry)
Hi Elaine, were there other Baileys in Canning Town before your family? I am trying to trace my husband’s ancestors, John and Rose Bailey, who lived there before WWI. They had three daughters (Rose, Nellie and Violet) and a son (William). John worked in coppersmithing. Any connections I can follow through? Thanks!
My Dad was brought up in Brassey house (flats) Hie name was Kenny (kenneth ) Maroni he was good friends with Dennis smith, Anyone know them ?
My name is Margot Farnham. My Nan was Dorothy Read and my granddad David Read. His family had a totters yard in Star Lane. Anyone know that family or my Nan’s family who were Adams?
My Mum was born in ‘old canning town’ as she always referred to it. Millicent Hawkins was born in 1926 and lived in bidder street. when the houses were declared slums by the then King and demolished, she moved to Kildare Road. I was born in Plaistow, and have great memories of canning town market from the guy in the butchers who chanted what he was selling. the hot saveloys and peace pudding. the live eels in caters, and the horror of them having their heads chopped off ! but most of all my love of mirkoffs icecream.
Mirkoff’s!!! I remember that tiny icecream shop. My mum used to take my sister and I there for a treat. The icecream was out of this world – by far the best I had tasted. The old street market (Rathbone Market, also known as Raffy) was a 10 minute walk down our road. I was born in Plaistow Hospital in the mid 60’s and lived in Malmesbury Road, Canning Town, until the houses (called slums) were demolished in 1976 and we moved to Plaistow. Caters supermarket – what memories! I can faintly remember the live eels. Also the laundry on the corner, opposite Caters, where we used to take our washing if it was too difficult to hand wash.
Hi Karen. Whereabouts in Malmesbury? I was born in 1947 at no. 25, then around the age of eight we re-located to no. 80. I went to Star Lane Infant and Junior, then onto Pretoria (now known as Eastleigh). My family name is Burns, and Nichols, also Denwood in Clarence Road.
It’s funny how people say Murkoff’s Ice cream was so great. In my list it came last and was only used if nowhere else was open. Old Murkoff was a miserable old so-and-so who only spoke to tell you how much you owed, never a please or thank you. But then again maybe it was me! Mitchell’s had the best ice cream and Caldori’s did the best lemon ice,,
I worked for Murkoffs for a while after leaving school ( Shipman road )
Mr Murkoff could hold a conversation. serve ice cream, and still check my adding up , and the till was similar to arkwrights , need all your fingers and the strength of popeye to open the damn thing
saw the ingredients for the ice cream delivered though but not the recipe
Hi all
My family had two she’s and two factorys in the canning town area Coombs brothers sold sweets, jam and tea. There offices were in rathbone Street any information would be greatful.
My nan worked at Coombs and I have a letter from them giving her a reference. Her name was Ellen Jones.
Coombs had a factory close to the bottom of Raffy. They used to open up a sort of window and as you walked past you had the gorgeous smell of strawberries or whatever wafting out. I understood that they were an off shoot of Clarnicos. Green & Siley Weir were nearby.
Hi, tell me more about the Coombs in that area back then. My grandmother was a Coombs that married a Jackson. Thx
Lynn. S orry don’t know much more. Still love the smell of fruit boiling. Tom G
My family is related back to the owners of the Coombs jam factories
From Doug Coombs
I’ll try and find out some more when I grab some time. Looking to move soon.
The Coombs family I belong to had family across southern England including, Battle, Brighton, Lower Beeding (all in Sussex) , Isle of Wight , Bournemouth , Nailsea and Essex
Unfortunately I lost my dad in 2020, he would have known a lot and he did mention the jam and see factory. However, he did provide some family trees, which could help . Tim, do you think we are related?
My mother, Patricia Conlogue nee Florey grew up in Randolph Rd, E16. Her mother, Annie and father Sidney both worked at Tate & Lyles. My mother attended Shipman Road Secondary School in the 1950’s and I attended a primary school on Prince Regent’s Lane in the late 1960’s before we relocated to Thetford, Norfolk with Jeyes. I had a great friend called Donna O’Shea who I believe lived on/near Churchill Road.
Does anyone have any post war pictures of this street or the area that has now been demolished?
My husband’s cousin went out with a Rita Florey. My husband also knew this girl from Shipman Road. The cousin’s name was Philip Pigrem.
My aunt is Rita Florey, who would be about 77 now; she moved to Australia about 10 years ago. I am trying to locate any photographs of the area, especially Randolph Road and the primary school on Prince Regent’s Lane that I attended in the late 1960’s.
My husband is 77 so roughly the same age as your Aunt Rita. I would say we’re talking about the same Rita. My husband’s name is Ted Coppell and he’s just said that Rita was a lovely girl – he liked her. We came to Australia in 1974. What state does Rita live in?
He was in the same class as Rita.😊
I believe she is in Western Australia – I don’t have any contact with her these days. My mum passed away a few months ago and I am annoyed with myself that I didn’t ask her more about ‘the good old days’ as she referred to them. I have found a photo of Shipman Road school on the internet – it looks quite forbidding. However, mum always said the school reminded her of the school in “To Sir With Love” with Sidney Poitier, minus the handsome Mr Poitier of course! I love that movie ; very nostalgic. Mum & Rita used to live at 92 Randolph Road and as a child I moved to no. 54. There were also some prefabs on both sides of the street. I remember going on errands to some shops at the top of Randolph Road and also to the summer reading club at the library. As a family we all ended up in Gorleston-on-sea in Norfolk (near Gt Yarmouth) which is where mum, Rita used to have holidays in the 50’s and 60’s
Mum used to talk about someone called Rita Millett – does your husband remember her?
Hi ya Tracey. Donna O Shea died of an overdose some years ago now. I was her friend at Woodside School. I named my daughter after her. She was a wonderful person. I’ve been trying to find any photos of her.
Greetings Joanne,
I think I have an old school photo of Donna (aged about 6/7). Not sure how to get it to you though – but perhaps you meant you would like one of her as an adult. I see the name Wheeler in your post. My grans family were Wheeler’s (I think my gran was one of 11 children) who lived at 63 Randolph Rd. Any relation that you know of?
Long delay in answering your question, Tracy. No my husband didn’t know Tracy Millett. Any luck tracing where your aunt lives/lived in WA. I have a sister living in WA.
Hi Joanne, my family lived at 51 or 57 Randolph Rd, before the bombings. The Jacksons. Can you put me in contact with anyone or info. Thx
Hi sorry to jump in my Partner is a Wheeler Barry George he married a Iris Watson don’t know if there’s any family links
Have you read the book “The Sugar Girls about Tate sugar factory? Wonderful book and lots of mentions of Cannong Town, Plaistow. All where my family are from
Hey Tracey , my great grand father was George Henry Taylor , his wife was called Violet (nee smith) . He also worked in the Tate and Lyles sugar factory as a labourer , Just wondering if them names ring any bells , many thanks x
Just noticed your post So don’t expect you to see my reply, Lovely memories You hold there Tracy … l lived in Shipman Road Prince regent lane Custom House E16 at the same time I left school in 1955 I lived just a few hundred yards from the school ( in shipman rd ) very handy Never late for school But often playing truant The headmaster was Percy Bell … I used to take some little kids to the Woolwich ferry and pretend they were going to France, some actually believed me ! I worked for the Tate and Lyles too. Loading lorries during the night My mum used to work in the cafe down a little side st backing onto the docks. Good old memories eh… Ray Hill Now living in Essex
Born, 1929. I lived at 29 Cave Rd Plaistow.One Sunday in July 1944 . We left the house at approx. 11am. Doodlebug hit it at approx. 12pm . Many neighbours killed and injured. We were lucky. Any one out there know anything about this. Was not evacuated I have lots more info.Live in Kent now.
Did anyone contributing to this page go to or is/was familiar with Stratford Grammar School when it was in Stratford behind West Ham Recreation Park – around 1952-1955. The schoolwas relocated to a site close to The Spotted Dog after that time. If there is someone familiar with the school around that time do they also remember a teacher by the name of Mr. Fieldgate?
Hi there,
I went to both of the Stratford Grammar Schools – the first one next to West Ham Park was just around the corner from where we lived, on Shirley Rd. I remember there was a tuck shop on the corner. Lots of memories from there – thanks for bringing it all back.
My grandfather was born in Canning Town (c1898) and lived in 34 (I think) Scott Street. His name was Albert Coulson, son of Joseph Coulson. I am starting to trace this part of my family if anyone can help/is related.
Hi Robert
I come from canning town and there are a few really good Facebook sites…canning town memories…start with this one and they will advise you on another one where they help you trace people from the area…I’m sure someone will be able to help you on there. ..good luck
My mother, Hilda Clark, was born at 197 Barking Road, Canning Town to Tom & Sophia (Dolly) Clark. She had three older sisters, Edna, Mary and Mabel (but Mabel died in childhood, I believe) and a younger sister, Pamela. In 1937, the family moved to Barking. My mother died in March 2016, aged 92 and, had she lived another 3 months, would have celebrated the 70th anniversary of her wedding to my father Jack Cresswell – now 98, but not all that well.
Hello, I have just came across this site, My maternal G Grandmother (Margaret Alldridge nee Andrews) was born in 1902 at 29 Clarence Rd, Canning Town (as were her sister Ethel 1903 & brother James 1908) by the time she married in 1919 she was living at 32 Clarence Rd. My grandmother was also born Canning Town, most of my maternal side came from Canning Town, Poplar, Bow, West Ham, at some point though they moved out to Southend & Romford.
Ilived at 25 clarence rd born there 1940 and we moved to barking in 1956 went to star lane and south west ham tech
Hi Alan.
I remember you and your sister Margaret. She was my friend . Do you remember Albert the milkman who delivered the milk on his hand cart..we lived opposite no 64..it makes you relive the past with so many happy memories. I often wondered what happened to Margaret..my single name was Holdbrook.