Grant was born in 1943 and spent his early years living in the North Western Hotel on the corner of Holywell Hill and Prospect Road which later became the Abbey Tavern. Grant share his memories of the beer and soft drinks… More about ‘Beer and entertainment – Grant Peerless’»
Category: Oral history
North Western Hotel – Grant Peerless
Grant Peerless spent the first eleven years of his life living in the North Western Hotel in Holywell Hill. His grandfather took over the licence of the pub in 1924 and the family worked there until 1959. Grant shares his memories of what… More about ‘North Western Hotel – Grant Peerless’»
Working on the Abbey roof – Brian Welch
When Brian was an apprentice for T.A.Kings, one of his tasks was to help install a lead rainwater pipe on the roof of St Albans Abbey. He is very proud of this work and that he climbed on the tower… More about ‘Working on the Abbey roof – Brian Welch’»
Working for the water board – Brian Welch
Brian worked for the Colne Valley Water Company for 34 years. He lived in one of the company houses at the bottom of Holywell Hill next to the Holywell Pumping Station. Interview date: 31 March 2014. Interviewer: Sandy Norman… More about ‘Working for the water board – Brian Welch’»
Rescuing the Holy Well – Brian Welch
In the 1980s, the playing field land south of Belmont Hill was set aside for development. There were plans to build a hotel on the site but there was no mention of the Holy Well in the plans. This led… More about ‘Rescuing the Holy Well – Brian Welch’»
Living in Pemberton Close – Brian Welch
Brian’s family moved into a brand new council property in Pemberton Close in 1950 when he was four and a half years old. He talks about his mother, Amy Welch, who was a well-loved character in the street and who… More about ‘Living in Pemberton Close – Brian Welch’»
Mandeville school – Jenny Huggard and Jose Sena
Both Jenny and Jose work at Mandeville school and describe what it is like and why they like working there. The school has an interesting mix of children from many different nationalities, backgrounds and cultures which works. The school has… More about ‘Mandeville school – Jenny Huggard and Jose Sena’»
Living in Holyrood Crescent – Jenny Huggard and Jose Sena
Jenny and Jose and their family moved into the area fairly recently and describe why they like living in Holyrood Crescent. They like the lovely open spaces and the friendly community. Holyrood Crescent held a street party for the Queen’s… More about ‘Living in Holyrood Crescent – Jenny Huggard and Jose Sena’»
St Julian’s farm – Val Goodyear-Burrow
Val shares her memories of St Julian’s farm, now the Tithe Barn estate, in Watling Street. Interview Date: 29 January 2014. Interviewer: Sandy Norman… More about ‘St Julian’s farm – Val Goodyear-Burrow’»
Living in Holyrood Crescent – Val Goodyear-Burrow
After the war, Val’s family moved from Tavistock Avenue into a new house in Holyrood Crescent, number 7. She has clear memories of the Cottonmill and St Julian’s estates being built and that there was class distinction between them. She remembers,… More about ‘Living in Holyrood Crescent – Val Goodyear-Burrow’»
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