Forgotten Stories: Christmas memories Pt.1
Christmas is a special time… even in what might now been described as poor or deprived childhoods. It made families stronger, closer and happier. The period often defined our communities and increased the importance of families and friends. read more…
Silvertown Explosion centenary
The centenary of The Silvertown Explosion at Brunner Mond munitions plant will be commemorated in January 2017 with the latest in the series of Forgotten Stories, the Royal Docks heritage project. read more…
Forgotten Stories: WWII evacuation
The vivid recollections of evacuation and the trauma of family separation during World War II by Julia Myers, who lived most of her life in the shadow of the dock fence of the Royal Docks. read more…
Forgotten Stories: Stan Harris
The Royal Docks and London’s East End suffered mass devastation during the Second World War. From Black Saturday, on September 7 1940, the lives of locals changed forever. The latest episode from our Forgotten Stories series takes us almost four years on from the start of the bombings that killed so many and destroyed so much. read more…
Forgotten Stories: The Mauretania
Bill Grainger was just 12 years old when he saw the magical moment in Newham’s history that changed his life and ignited his passion for the sea. read more…
Royal Docks History: June 1880
The 87-acre Royal Albert Dock was opened by the Duke and Duchess of Connaught on June 24 1880. It was the largest purpose built dock in Britain at the time. read more…
Forgotten stories: pawn tickets
Joan Dyson, who was born and bred in Silvertown, recalls skipping school to run errands for her mum. read more…
Forgotten Stories: Forbidden Fruit
Colin Grainger recalls the unlikely fruit of his grandfather’s labours in the Royal Docks over 50 years ago. read more…
Forgotten Stories: The first kiss
Stan Dyson recalls how he lost his heart to the miserable girl he first saw on the 669 bus to Woolwich and how he overcame his nerves to knock on her front door… read more…
An introduction to Forgotten Stories
An introduction to the colourful history of people who lived and worked around London’s Royal Docks. read more…