I’m now 40 and was born in Walthamstow and lived on Chewton Rd and Pretoria Ave), going to school at Blackhorse Rd Infants, Stoneydown, Willowfield & McEntee.
My mum is one of 4 children born to "Walthamstow" parents, and my Grandad Alfred Tuvey (who sadly passed away in 1997) was born in 1911 in Walthamstow & grew up in the Brunner Road area. He was a painter & decorator & managed to purchase a house in Ilford, then went away to war and my Nan hated being away from "everything Walthamstow", so by the time he came home, she'd moved back to good old E17! My mum was brought up in Ickworth Park Road with aunts in Hervey Park Road. My grandparents moved into a Warner property in Pretoria Avenue about 39 years ago, and stayed there until 1997. It still seems odd not to able to just walk into that house (which is now being converted into 4 flats!) as it was the one place that remained constant throughout my life - we moved house, my aunts & uncles did, etc, but 68 Pretoria Avenue was "home", I suppose. My very earliest memory is of standing in the "front room" (opened only on high days & holidays) when I was only 21 months old wanting my mum (who was in Thorpe Coombe giving birth to my little sister - Christmas 1966) and wondering what kind of place she was in that wouldn't allow little children in (my Nan had said this to me - I suppose so that I didn't visit her & miss her even more!). My mum's younger sister (at the time 18) put on the record player & tried to cheer me up.

My Nan's family are called Price - she had brothers called Bob, Jim, and Alf - all of whom were known for boxing (I think Uncle Jim boxed under the name of Jimmy Wooder).Uncle Alf had a fruit stall outside the old Woolworths in the High Street. My Nan's sisters Alice & Florence used to live in Hervey Park Road - 41 & 43. Grandad's family (the Tuveys) were poor but happy - his siblings included George (who worked with Grandad & lived in Coppermill Lane), Daisy (who preferred to be called Jean!), Florence (who spent her last years in the almshouses by the Baker's Arms), Len (who died before I was born), and Violet who married an American in the war & went to live near Lake Michegan - I remember the excitement when her son Douglas came to visit when I was small (he was in the US Navy).

I have so many memories of my own - along with lots and lots of memories my grandparents shared with me about their lives (I've always been very interested in local & family history). I also have heaps of photos - ranging from old sepia "formal" shots of my great grandmother to ones of me as a kid in the 70's. I'd be more than happy to share memories and/or photos with you, if you'd be interested.

I look forward to hearing from you - and thank you once again for putting in the time & effort to produce such a wonderful website.

Kindest RegardsI

I also found your website by mistake, but wow what fond memories it bought flooding back. I lived in Chingford from 1959 to 1973, attending Larkswood Infant & Junior schools, Wellington Ave and Sidney Burnell High Schools. My Dad and his brothers had butcher shops in Walthamstow called "Brentwood Economy Butchers", one was next door but two to the Chequers pub and Rossi's ice cream parlour, down the market. I remember the sasporella man, and Percy Daltons Peanut man, he used to sell them hot opposite my Dad's shop. Menzies pie and mash shop, with the live eels outside. Two of the other shops were in St James Street, my granddad lived above one of them for a while, and I can remember him giving me sixpence to go to the mens outfitters next door for a new stud collar for his shirts. Lloyds park was a favourite of my children's in the late 1970's early 1980's ,when I used to visit my Mum and Dad especially in the school holidays when there used to be free shows put on for them.
We all absolutely adored going to Larkswood outdoor swimming pool. I spent every summer there when I was a kid, and since I moved to the Midlands in 1974, where they don't have outdoor pools, I was really sad when it closed
it's doors for the last time. What is it now? Don't get to go back for visits, as my Dad died and Mum now lives near me in the Midlands
This site make me feel very nostalgic, keep up the good work

My grandparents lived in Havant rd off Wood st - The Swan is on he corner. They were Lily (nee Nash) and Alf (deafy) Pullum.

My grandfather won the Wood st walk in 1955 &56. Does any one out there remember them? They had two sons Alfie and Terry (my father) also a daughter Joyce who died young. I was their only granddaughter Linda, they had 2 grandsons Lee & Wayne.

Unfortunately my parents are both dead ,and I now live in Northampton I left Walthamstow in 1977, but have many memories: Saturday morning pictures at the ABC at Leyton and swimming at Leyton baths (long gone I believe). Also the Lido in the forest at Whipps Cross. My mum Kay Pullum worked in Edward's food shop and Superfare in Wood st.

In my teens I worked in the photo factory in Forest Rd I also work in Cilla's Hairdressers in Orford rd as a Saturday Girl for many years.

If any one out there remembers my family I'd love them to contact me.

I was born and breed in Walthamstow. My parents lived in Maynard Road for over 60 years, my grandparents ran the old bookshop in Church Lane, Arthur and Maybel King.
I went to Maynard Road school from 1949 until 1956 or thereabouts. Life for the King family was very hard,my father having bought his house,him being a bricklayer things got very hard in the winter,no work no money,and being a family of 6 in the end,things were tight.

My eldest sister Joan has been in touch with you I think, she being the eldest had things very much easier.
I was born in 1944 like most in Thorpe Coombe, number 4 in the family, but quite a few years between me and my brother, my parents being in their 40s by then, I remember playing for hours in the street (street raking) my mother called it, we skipped played 3 stones rounders, knock down ginger,got chased then balls hit windows, made jiggers,cut my leg really badly when my brother lost control going down Maynard Road almost ran into Shernhall St. so he pulled up sharp. When I was older Wood St. (if my mother had ever found out I was there she would have killed me) I got caught on camera at the walk and it was in the local, thank God she never saw the photo. Hollow Ponds by our (gang) tree!

Lido, Had the pleasure of Frankie Vaughan being there once, thought he was God's gift, didn't do much for us girls, a little too old for us, he had been to some factory in Lea Bridge Road. Lots more memories, the Bell, Leyton Baths (Beatles) Granada, Forest Gate skating ring, Fair in Lea Bridge Road, most places I shouldn't have been.
Many thanks for the site

Hope this finds you well happy and rich!

My name is Jack Grubbs, I live in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
I was searching for information for my wife, she had a "pen pal" who she corresponded with around 1957.
They were in high school at that time, around 17years old. Her pen pal lived in Walthamstow and I was searching to see if we could locate her after all these years.

Her name and address was:
Nita Wilson
135 Forest Street
Walthamstow E17 London England

Hello, I was just surfing when I found your excellent website.
I was hoping that someone may be able to assist me in finding some old friends or family. My name is John Edward Charles Alden. I was born in 1984 and lived at 50 Acacia Road, Walthamstow E17 until 1992 (moved to Sydney Australia). I attended St Patricks, my father (John Colin Charles Alden) owned and ran a poker machine shop
in Hackney for as long as I can remember. My father also ran a market stall at walthamstow markets and we both were regulars at Tottenham's home games. My mother (Sharrone Patricia Alden) also worked in my dad's store. My
grandparents were named Edward Alden and Joan Gledhill.
I would like to thank all for taking the time to read this and I hope I hear from someone regarding my hopeful search.

Hi my name is Anne Deannage I use to live in Blackhorse Lane went to Stoneydown Junior School then to Willowfield High School. Left school worked at Hammond and Champness in the office. I'm 48 years old if anyone is out there who knows me please contact

How amazing to find this site on Walthamstow. I attended Joseph Barrett Secondary School in the late 50's. It had a different name when I first went there, but can't recall what it was. Reading through the e-mails all the names came flooding back...Hoe Street; Whipps Cross and Havant Road, I used to live in The Top Shop, I think it was No 5, and was a small grocery store on the corner. I went to St Saviours Church for Guides, but had very unhappy memories of the place due to my home situation. Anyone remember me???? Eileen Varney; Jean Crutchett; can't remember any more students names. Mrs Hewett was a teacher, and Mrs Christmas was the school secretary. I was Lois Brooks, since then I have changed my name to Libby Nunn, put the past behind me and forgotten it. Living in New Zealand and Librarian in a small rural town in the Far North...Kaitaia.

The site looks really good now. I can not believe how it has changed since I have been away.

I have been trying to learn about the Catholic convent (St. George's?). My mother said she was a resident there from 1907-1916. Do you have any records on a convent/orphanage in Walthamstow in those years?

I found your website accidentally as I was surfing. I used to live at 43 Jewel Road in Walthamstow from 1975 to 1978 when I emigrated to Canada. I wonder what that house is worth now! I was stupid enough to sell it for only 14000 pounds. A beautiful three-bedroomed terraced house. Many regrets. Walked to Wlthamstow tube station everyday to go to work in the city. Among the memories I have is going to Walthamstow stadium for greyhound racing and of course the high street. My daughter was born in Walthamstow hospital and was only two when we left but we have fond memories of taking her to the park and taking pictures. We had a neighbour who was an ice cream vendor and his wife adored my daughter so ice cream was free for us. Does anybody remember Oxfam shop that used to be in the corner? Used to pick up a lot of goods at bargain prices from there.

Thats all for now and keep up the good work.

I live in Walthamstow and have done so since 1992 and I love your nostalgia website. I spoke to my Dad who now lives on the Isle of Wight as I had a vague memory that my Grandmother, who is sadly no longer with us, also lived in the area. She was Ellen Copping and lived in the High Street in the 1920s. She met my late Granddad , Frederick George John Adams and they were members of the Glade Cycling club Chingford, also in the 20s.
My Dad is looking up the dates for me once he lays his hands on the cycling medals he has put 'somewhere safe'... Jacqui Adams.

My wife and her mother were born and brought up in Walthamstow. My mother-in-law has jotted down a couple of her memories from her childhood. She was born in 1913.

"I remember in the High Street a draper's shop called Lidstones at the lower end of the street near Coppermill Lane. It was on the corner of Pretoria Avenue. On the other corner was a funny little shop called the Penny Bazaar. In Lidstones there were wires running overhead from each department to the office in the centre. When you purchased something the assistant put your money in a "cup" with the invoice, then pulled a lever which sent it to the office. It was then returned with your change.

During the First World War, when I was about 4 years old, I had to have surgery for my tonsils and had to go to Tottenham Hospital. After the operation my mother had to carry me on foot from the hospital to the Ferry Boat Inn. Walking over the bridge it was really only a muddy track and then the tram service started back to home. Just as we reached the tram an air raid siren sounded. The driver waited for us then set off. No air raid shelters then."

My wife and I are post-war baby boomers born in 1948, but the memories of others have struck a chord with us. I particularly recall the pie and eel shop Manzee's as my best friend's grand-father used to work there. It was great fun (except for the eels!) to see him chopping up the eels on the stall outside. I'm sure that I would be drummed out of the East Ender's Club but I hated the eel liquor that usually went with the pie and mash.

All the best to you and many thanks for hosting this interesting site

I was born in Walthamstow as was my Mother and Father. My mothers father moved to Walthamstow in 1889 from the Kings Cross area when he was 3 yrs old so you could say that my memories of Walthamstow go back over 100 years
from the stories my grandparents and parents told me many of which I have written down. My fathers father moved to Leyton circa 1893 married and moved to Walthamstow in 1901. My mothers maiden name was Garraway her father and his brothers were very well known in Walthamstow Market from the early 20s to to late 50s in fact they were known as the Enamel Kings of Walthamstow selling pots and pans in
the 20s & 30s having fruit and veg stalls in 40s/ 50s their veg stall was alongside the eel man and sarsperrila man.
Like you I have many memories of my own which I would like to share as well some photographs that may provoke some memories in others. I have also traced and proved my Garraway maternal male line back to 1350 and my Thompson male ancestors back to 1730 my Garraway family arrived in
London circa 1520 and my Thompson family in 1840. So I could provide much more information than just Walthamstow.
If you think from what I have said above would be of value perhaps you can tell me how I become a Member and contribute to your web site.

Great fun to read your web page. I lived in Walthamstow from 63-69 and before that we visited my grandmother there. My dad was in the army and so we did a lot of travelling. During those years I mentioned we lived at 45 Pearl Road, I went back there last month just to see the place. The Granada still there, but under a different name. I saw the Beatles twice, the first time before they were famous, the second time we had front row seats! Went to the Cooks Ferry Inn often, called Blue Opera club on different days. I attended McEntee Technical School and in the 50s for a short time Winns Avenue. I worked in Woolworths on Saturdays, when I was still at school, is that still there? Have great memories of being a teenager in Walthamstow. Now live in Kansas USA Would appreciate any emails from old friends

Please help if you can! I am writing a short book about what it was like to live, play ,and work in Walthamstow/Chingford around 1953. I would be delighted to hear from anyone who would can share any memories particularly of what South Chingford around the area of the Mount was like. I was only four at the time so need the help of others a little older. Thanks

Keep up the great work. Does anyone out there remember the Coop insurance office? I think was in Hoe st. - not sure, 50s and early 60s. Does anyone remember Lilian Brownlow, any photos around?

Yours

Thanks for your interesting site.

I'm looking for information on the Teale family of Walthamstow. In 1911 they were living at 4 Rosebank Villas, and the head of the household was Charles Teale, who described himself as a domestic machinery dealer. In the past he was a rent collector and furniture salesman. His children included Sarah Jane, Edith Alice, George Henry, Charles Ezra, Florence Ethel, Albert Victor and Harold Fredrick. His wife was Mary Catherine Crinan, née Smith. There are some mysteries surrounding this family, and it would be good to solve at least some of them. I'm happy to share the information I have.

I am aware that this article will probably not be as widely read as some of my other pieces. Nevertheless, I have written it as part of my tribute to the men and women who, today, are largely forgotten and unknown, but were primarily responsible for making present day Walthamstow.

I came to live in Walthamstow in 1960 and shortly after joined my local Labour Party (Walthamstow East) and became a local activist. By 1963, I had become the Youth Officer for Walthamstow East and was heavily involved with recruiting and educating members of the local Labour Party Young Socialist organisation. In this process, I met and got to know many of the people who were, or went on to be, Walthamstow Mayors and Councillors.

Ross Wyld was one of those selfless people who devote their lives to improving the lot of their fellow humans. It is one of my regrets that, although I met Doreen Wyld, I never knew her brother who died in 1963.

Now I know why the pub "The Markhouse Arms" was always referred to as the "Crows" in those days, because of the previous owners in the 1900's! It's funny how the name stuck with the pub after all those years. I used to use the Markhouse arms, when Herbie was the guv, the beer was Of Trumans Brewery, a smashing pint. Thanks for enlightening me.

Does anyone have photos or remember the old hardware shop 85 St Andrews Road on the corner of Lowther road. I lived there until 1961.

May be of use to some