A Mile of Memories: Work, Life and Leisure
About this record
Welcome to ‘A Mile of Memories: Life, Work and Leisure in Stratford’. We invite you on a journey through time, as we take you through more than 1000 years of Newham’s rhythm of everyday life, work, and leisure. Listen to the stories for each stop via the SoundCloud links, and scroll the photos as you go. Our tour begins with an exploration of the traditional industries that once flourished in this area. Stops at Sugar House Island, Mills, Little Germany, and Carpenters Road will reveal these industries’ pivotal role in the neighbourhood, and the community that grew from there. At Angel Lane and Stratford’s Centre, our focus shifts to the vibrant leisure sector that emerged in later years. We’ll explore the spirit of Stratford’s community theatres, its markets, and dance venues whose energy filled the streets.
But why stop there? If a subject sparks your interest, follow the trail and fulfil your curiosity to explore further with additional notes on our website and beyond.
So, without further ado, let’s step back in time and explore Stratford’s past and present, considering what these stories may tell us about Stratford’s future.
Sugar House Island and Mills
Danes and Co. Plaque 2024 Pictured by Katherine Porter
Map of Three Mills River 1600. Newham Archive
Sugar House Island 2024 Pictured by Katherine Porter
Places of interest near this stop: please see this map
Carpenters Road
Places of interest near this stop: please see this map
Little Germany
Places of interest near this stop: please see this map
Playlist
Listen to the music that made Stratford: from junglists to theatregoers, there’s something for everyone!
Angel Lane
Looking north up Angel Lane, 1964. © Newham Heritage Service
Look closely, see the alleyway on the left near the two people pushing a buggy? That is Cullum Street, where you can see The Beatles on horseback in the Penny Lane music video.
Shops seen in the photo: Clarry Bros. Butchers; J.R. Pavitt & Co. Watch repairs; H. Hitch eel pie house; W.J. Harvey fishmonger; T.S. Daley greengrocer; P.C. Letts clothier; H. Dawson boot repair; Norman E. Brown costumier; Mrs. Rose Dobson florist; R. Rudduck greengrocer; J. Mortner woolen merchants; Cohen fried fish shop; Stratford Surgical Stores; Lion Pub.
Link: Sparrows Can’t Sing Trailer
Link: Penny Lane Music Video
Places of interest near this stop: please see this map
Stratford’s Centre
Places of interest near this stop: please see this map
Thank you for taking this journey with us. History offers a unique lens through which we connect with the various perspectives of the wider community that came before us. Uncovering Stratford’s history reveals narratives that surprise, resonate, and entertain. Stratford abounds in a rich cultural and social history. Buildings and roads may pinpoint these stories, but it is the people who live and work in a place who breathe life into its walls and streets. This is always something to celebrate and learn from.
Thank you to Eastside Community Heritage, Newham Archive, Acme Archive, Naz From Newham and Quaker Archives
Additional record details
- Contributor: UCL Public History MA
- Type: Self-led guided tour
- Date created: 21/05/24
- Location: Stratford
Heritage newsletter
We would like to send you monthly emails spotlighting heritage content in Newham, as well as updates and opportunities to be involved in next year's festival. Be the first to hear about new projects, funding opportunities and ways to be involved.
