Glemsford in Old Postcards


Glemsford Local History Society has recently acquired some exciting old postcard views of the village.


I'm reproducing them here with grateful thanks to Frederic Avery of Burgess Hill, although there are some other photos as well, now.


You can click on the pictures to see larger versions.


Those who know me, wouldn't expect me to do anything other than start this page with a picture of Glemsford station. Today, the actual station is still extant, much modified. One of the large concrete level crossing posts still exists, and various other buildings as well. This view is now obscured by trees. The station closed in March 1967.Glemsford station
Robert Steed has an interesting "Family History" web site, which carries this impressive photo of the old Post Office in Glemsford, which is now known, simply, as Cobwebs.
I contacted him for permission to use this photo. Thisis what he replied:
My g-g-grandfather, Leonard Bradnam, and his son, George William Bradnam, ran the Post Office there for many years. I still have the bureau they are said to have used there.
The old post office, Glemsford
This view of the Church of St Mary the Virgin contrasts well with the modern view on the buildings page. Quite what all the water in the foreground is about, I'm not sure, but will try to find out.
(Actually, it shows, quite clearly, an old waver, or pond, that used to be outside Park Farm - for the use, no doubt of horses which had struggled up from the valley. It no longer exists.)
The Church of St Mary the Virgin
This view is of Bells Lane, taken from the corner of Park Lane, very close to the church. All the buildings seen in the picture still exist. The building on the left was owned by Mr Cook of Melford Riot fame. The background has changed a great deal, although the Horsehair factory buildings still exist.Bells Lane as it was
This tinted view of the village from Duffs Hill and Crown Field is fascinating. The Crown pub is to the left of centre, middle distance. Straight ahead from the camera is now the small collection of houses known as Spring Meadow. On the left, out of picture, is still Duffs Hill Farm, while the cottages on the left are at the end of Chequers Lane.The village from Crown Field
A wonderful view of Glemsford Silk Mill, with the huge pond apparent. Silk weaving has happened in Glemsford since the 1820s.Glemsford Silk Mill
Hunts Hill has changed a lot, but much is recognisable. The Draper's shop on the right is now an estate agent. The building on the left is now the Briars Nursing Home. Just beyond it is the site of the Social Club. More of this site is described in A Walk Through Glemsford.Hunts Hill
This bridge is on the outskirts of the village, near Cranmore Green, where there was a mill wheel. It would be quite difficult to reproduce thsi scene today. I do not know who the lady on the bridge is.
An additional picture has come to light, of Scotchford Bridge, where Glemsford gives way to Stansted. Quite who the gentleman on the bike is, we don't know.
(My thanks to Patrick Hemphill for providing this picture.)
Scotchford Bridge


Page maintained by Steve Clarke, history@glemsford.uk. Copyright(c) Steve Clarke. Created: 08/10/99 Updated: 30/12/2003