Hempstead Valley 1981 Aerial Photo

This photo of Hempstead Valley was taken in 1981 showing the amount of woodland still left at the time and the huge size of the shopping centre in the middle of what was woodland. In the distance you can see that the Hungry Fox pub isn't yet built and no access via the rear of the centre from Hempstead Valley drive.

 

Barclays Bank Gillingham History & Old Photos

The Gillingham (Kent) branch of Barclays Bank was opened in 1898/99 by the London & Provincial Bank and it was amalgamated with Barclays in 1918. The branch was originally called “New Brompton” until 1902. It was based at 77 High Street from 1920. 

These old photographs of the Barclays Bank Gillingham branch are from the 1970s and one earlier c.1957

It's interesting to see the development of the building next to Barclays Bank on Canterbury Street over the years. In 1957 it's a very ornate building with bay window upstairs and part of the bank. By the early 1970s the roofline has been changed and the downstairs windows replaced. By the late 1970s the building has been demolished and replaced by a modern brick built 3 storey structure although still part of the Barclays branch from the logos on the front of the building.

The pictures also show the Oxfam shop, Design Boutique, Eric Lawson Estate agent and Highfields. It appears from the photos that Highfields moved next door when Oxfam moved into their old shop. You can also see the Truman's British Queen pub in the background of one photo.

Barclays Gillingham branch closed on 6 February 2015 and the business transferred to Chatham, High Street.

Photos and info courtesy of Barclays Group Archives

 Photo of Barclays Bank Gillingham branch from 1957

Photo of Barclays Bank Gillingham branch from the 1970s, British Queen pub in background

Barclays Bank Gillingham branch Canterbury Street from the 1970s

These old photographs of the Barclays Bank Gillingham branch are from the 1970s

Interior photo of the Barclays Bank Gillingham branch from the 1970s

old photographs of the Barclays Bank Gillingham branch are from the 1970s

Parkwood School Fire Feb 1979

There was a huge fire at Parkwood Junior School, Deanwood Drive in February 1979 where virtually the whole school was gutted. The fire started around 10pm and 40 firefighters were needed to tackle it. Police didn't rule out arson but I've not seen any subsequent follow ups to show if it was ever found to be deliberate or not.

Parkwood School Fire 1979

Parkwood School, Deanwood drive, Fire 1979

Parkwood School Fire 1979

Headmaster Mr A de B Apps was called to the fire, caretaker at the time was Mr Ted Divers. Charles Dunford, caretaker of the Infants school was the last to leave the building before the fire took hold

Parkwood School Fire 1979

Parkwood School Fire 1979

Mr Rochester Competition 1981

This photo is of the Mr Rochester competitors at the 1981 Dicken's Festival, do you recognise anyone?

 

Subcategories

Old photos by decade

Roads around the Rainham - old photos of how roads used to look in days gone by

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