In medieval times Sopwell was part of a wood called Eywood. As well as providing timber and fuel the woods were also used for hunting – at that time mainly deer. The Abbey monks and the nuns from Sopwell Priory… More about ‘Hunting in Sopwell’»
Category: John Buckingham
Memories of St Peter’s school – John Buckingham
John, born 1943, recalls his first school, St Peter’s, which was originally in Old London Road. He recalls his classroom and some of his teachers. He remembers being envious of the girls from Priory Park school who were picked up… More about ‘Memories of St Peter’s school – John Buckingham’»
A walk down Cottonmill Lane 2 – John Buckingham
John continues his reminiscences of walking down Cottonmill Lane in the 1940s and 1950s. he walks over the river and past the allotments, which were always flooded in the winter. His father had an allotment and would send John to… More about ‘A walk down Cottonmill Lane 2 – John Buckingham’»
A walk down Cottonmill Lane 1 – John Buckingham
John, born 1943, recalls what Cottonmill Lane was like when he was a lad. This part of the story starts at the top of the lane coming from Old London Road. he recalls the old carpenter’s shop at the top,… More about ‘A walk down Cottonmill Lane 1 – John Buckingham’»
The youth club in Leyland Avenue – John Buckingham
John Buckingham recounts the history of the building and the use of the St Albans Boys Club, known as the youth club, behind Leyland Avenue. It was built on an area of land which was used by the local children… More about ‘The youth club in Leyland Avenue – John Buckingham’»
Playing in the river – John Buckingham
John talks of playing and fishing in the river near New Barnes Mill and describes the area as it was in the 1940s and 1950s. He also recalls fishing out an ammunition belt while fishing for crayfish in the river… More about ‘Playing in the river – John Buckingham’»
Roy Buckingham, RAF pilot – John Buckingham
John Buckingham’s cousin Roy, was a pilot with the RAF during the war. He was a brave man and had an interesting flying career which included helping spies and dropping supplies for the Resistance workers in France and Norway. He… More about ‘Roy Buckingham, RAF pilot – John Buckingham’»
Pearce’s scrap yard – John Buckingham
The St Albans firm, Pearce Recycling, started off as scrap merchants with several yards throughout the city. One of these yards was in front of the ruins of Sir Richard Lee‘s Tudor house in Cottonmill Lane. John Buckingham remembers playing… More about ‘Pearce’s scrap yard – John Buckingham’»
Making shelters – John Buckingham
John and his mates tells of digging holes in the ground and making shelters where they would light fires and cook potatoes. This was in their play area where the Sopwell Youth Club is now. They would cover them with… More about ‘Making shelters – John Buckingham’»
Memories of my father – John Buckingham
John Buckingham’s father was born in Sopwell. When he got married, he lived in Leyland Avenue. He worked in the kennels in Cottonmill Lane, looking after the hounds which were part of the hunt. John’s father rode with the hunt… More about ‘Memories of my father – John Buckingham’»
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