The following photographs recall the local street parties enjoyed by families celebrating Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation in 1953. Included at the end are some from an earlier date that are from 1945 Victory parties, as we have found that sometimes there is confusion as to whether they are Victory or Coronation parties!
photo from Local Studies, Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
Above: Avondale Park Road.
On Walmer Road.
Left : Rita and Babs Schorman outside 77 Walmer Road. The house was eventually demolished following the building of Westway.
Above: the children of Walmer Road in fancy dress. Notice the TV screen with Muffin the Mule, a popular TV puppet. The small boy is dressed as the celebrated jockey Sir Gordon Richards. Photos: John Henwood
Left: Nearby Calverley Street, later to be demolished to make way for Westway. Photo: A.Bateman.
Below : Aldermaston Street, another street that disappeared with the building of Westway. Oxford Gardens School can be seen in the background.
The following series of photos are of Rillington Place (lent by the Westbury family).
According to some readers of the blog this photo is not at the Coronation Party on Rillington Place but is of a VJ party earlier in 1945 (see Lynne Shipton’s comment at the end of this entry).
It was in this street, running off St Mark’s Road, that the bodies of several murdered women were discovered earlier in the year in no 10. A former resident of the house, John Reginald Halliday Christie, was, by June 1953 awaiting trial on charges of murdering two women. The houses on the street were later demolished and the street name disappeared. It is now Bartle Road.
Below are photos of a Coronation party outside the Volunteer pub on Latimer Road. In the background is A.Saxby & Sons Removals at the end of Latimer Place
These have been sent in by Sonia Mills.
Victory Party 1945, Latimer Road. Photo: Sonya Mills.
North Kensington Histories 
Hi … I am in the ‘ Avondale Park Rd Photograph at the top of this page … I am the 5 yr old ( nearly 6 yr old ) standing on the left hand side wearing the big Cowboy hat ( I believe the young woman in the front of the Photograph beside the girl holding the baby is my Mother and possibly my Nan is the women at the back… my Mother and my Nan both had black hair and my Father, who was called ‘ sandy ‘ had blonde hair … just like I have in the above Photograph … I was born in ‘ Brendon House, Avondale Park Rd ‘ in 1947 … Opposite the small block of flats was the bakery where my Mum and Nan worked … I would like to see if anyone has any photographs of Brendon House, or the Bakery in Avondale Park Rd … thanks for sharing the Photographs … Len
Hey Lenny Gary says hello, look me up on facebook.
Hi Gary … I’m not a member of Facebook can you give a little more info about Kensington ….
Hey Lenny what was the name of the mission we used to go to?
I still remember some of the songs but not the name of the place.
Gary (find me on Facebook).
Hi … The Mission is on the OS map but just says ‘ Mission Hall , Fowell Street ‘ Fowell Street is off Bomore Road … The only Song I remember singing at the Mission Hall was ‘ Michael Row The Boat Ashore ‘ … I think the Mission Hall has a long History … are you in the Photograph also …
Len
Hi Gary … I managed to find some information about the Mission Hall, “ the Sunday School in Fowell Street “ it was originally a “ PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHAPEL “ … In the Potteries, Notting Hill …On the memorial stone outside the Chapel was the following inscription … “ This stone was laid August 2, 1864, by J. Fowell, Esq., who kindly gave the land, Rev. J. Phillips, Superintendent Minister. J. Carrud, Architect and Builder ”… this inscription could be useful when looking for more information about the Sunday School… but I still don’t know what the Mission Hall was called when we went to it … But I think it might have been a Catholic Sunday School ? …
The mission was in fowell street when we had to go to Sunday school and the bakers was the moo cow do you know where I can get any photos of fowell street
Hi Geraldine … unfortunately I do not have any Photographs of Fowell Street … just like Photographs of “ Avondale Park Road “ they seem to be quite difficult to find … I will however try to find some as I am searching and will upload any that I might find … thanks’ for reminding me of the name ” Moo-Cow ” …do you know if ” The Moo Cow ” was the real name of the bakery or was it just a local expression ? … I think there might have been a coal yard in Fowell Street that sold coal and blocks of wood… the wooden blocks were from the dismembering of the old outdated ” Tram Lines “.
Hi Len I know photos of fowell hard to find I lived at no 20 had aunts and an uncle in Avondale park rd they was the watlings yep it was the moo cow I used to sit on the iron steps I to went to the mission and at Easter would walk up and down the street led by mr rose what about the swimming baths more to follow of to get cooks pie and mash
Hi all there are a few photo on my facebook albums
Ray carpenter Says has anyone got any information on nottinghill in the sixties and any photos will be very much appreciated
Hi there, I have just come across this post as I have been looking at old photos of the area where I was born – Kensal Rd & my mum & dad & their parents also born there. I have a book which has lots of photos that Roger Mayne took of Southam Street in the fifties. It has my dad in 2 of the pictures as a kid. One where he is being naughty with another very young child smoking a cigarette. If you go on google and type in Roger Mayne photos, it also links to other photos took in and around north London in the 50’s. I have been looking at all the photos of Golborne Rd, Ladbroke Grove, Westbourne Park Rd, Latimer Road and lots more. Hope this will help you. It is so weird looking at all the changes. Some photos show Kensal Road where I was born before Trellick Towers was built. My dad is showing and telling me about the people and the streets etc. and a few of his friends are in the book too, some passed now but some still alive and kicking . I want to see if I can get a photo of the dairy his mum and dad had. That would be so special to him and me. I will have to get the exact location then I will message to see if anyone can help. But if anyone wants me to download and send some pictures of Southam Street in the fifties I would love to help. Not sure how I attach them but you can let me know or I can send via email. Thanks for this wonderful site and info, Louise.
Hey Lenny
I recall a song about being in a boat where we all linked arms and swayed to and fro but the only line I can remember is ‘and when were about the devil will shout there goes the ??? road mission.
I was 10 months old when that photo was taken so I don’t know if I am one of the babies in it.
You can search for my email address on goolgemail
Gary.
Hi Gary … Yes! all of our family are in the Photograph … I believe you are the Baby in the Photograph and I believe Pauline is in the Photograph too … I think Trevor is the boy with the springs on him ( I think its supposed to represent a popular character at that time )… Susan is not in the Photograph and neither is June …. I cant remember any song with the Devil mentioned in it I only remember the song ” Michael-Row-The-Boat-Ashore … I wish I had more Photographs from the past ( I know Photographs were taken ) but I was however told some time ago that ” Bob ” burned all the Photographs when Cathy died …
Len
Hi Len / Geraldine, my dad Douglas Thompson had an old cine camera and filmed family and friends circa early 60s? includes soem local area shots, I am in the film at approx 18 months old, I am now 51 1/2 so that makes the film 50 years old! We had it transferred to a cd, I have a copy I can send you if anyone wants one?
Geraldine my Gran was a Moore too!
i would love to see the film, why not upload it to YouTube and post the link, that would help everyone interested in this area..
Hi Geraldine / Len … I think a lot of people would be very interested to see the cine camera film your Dad took in-and-around the Kensington area… I also think it would draw more people to this site who also have film and photographs etc … thanks for sharing it with us,
Len
The mission in Fowell Street was called Bramley Hall, it was not a Catholic Mission
In the 50’s They used to sing a song in Bramley Hall mission, -Sunshine corner oh very fine it’s for children under 99 all are welcome and the seats are free come to Bramley Hall it’s the place for me.
Mr Rose had a son called Peter and I remember May Trotman used to open up.
I was searching for Ernest Napier funeral director Lancaster Rd /Fowell St and some nice photos of Fowell Street came up.
E Brown
Hi, my name is Robert Findlay in Auckland NZ. I was with Laurie Napier the grand or Gt grandson of Ernest Napier Funeral Director, this afternoon. Where have you posted the photos of Fowell Street?
Also do you know the nearest family History Society or Geneology Society for the area?
If you go down the list at the right hand side of the blog (recent postings) you will find Fowell Street. Or this link below.
I don’t know about Family History or Geneology Societies.
It is not correct that Rillington Place is now Bartle Road. The new development was built in such a way as to obscure the old street lines. The line of what was Rillington Place cuts across part of St Andrew’s Square. it is further south than Bartle road, and at an angle to it.
Hello its Win Sussams, I was back there in 2008 and took a photo of the street and the name on the sign, was Bartlet Road, I have a photo if I new how to post it. I lived at no.3. Win
https://www.facebook.com/groups/oldnottinghill/
Hi my name is Bill I am the boy in the jester suit in the Rillington Place photo. Also in the photo is my aunt Sandra and some more of my family – we lived at No.8.
hi bill I am Dave lived no 17 then 16 find me on facebook
Hi Dave, Bill Lawrence here. Sorry about delay in reply I did not check back. Hope all is well with you. Would like to make contact.
Bill..
Hello Bill, are you one of the Lawrence family? I remember Sandra. I live in Australia, I looked at the Coronation Photos, its that long ago, I cant figure out who is me. Photos of Rillington Place and the residents seem to be very scarce. Win
Hello my old friend long time since we all played n rillilington place I see you are in Australia I’m on holiday with my youngest daughter in USA
Hello Bill, I sent a reply about 10 minutes ago, but I dont think I did it right, so here I go again. You lived at no 8, I lived at No 3, I knew Sandra Lawrence and her brother Jimmy, I am sure there were more in the family but I cant remember their names. At no 9 I think there was a lady with twins, at no 11 Pamela Newman lived, opposite Christie. I hope this is helpfull. Regards Win
Hi Win, Pamela Newman is my aunt who celebrated her 77th birthday 2 days ago. I have a copy of the same picture that is shown on here and it is definitely not a Coronation party photo but a VJ Party photo, August 1945. Pam’s cousins, Thelma and Pat Gipps are in this photo as is her older brother Ted Newman. I have many pictures from Rillington Place, including the 1935 Silver Jubilee party for George V, VE Party, VJ Party and Coronation Party. Bess and Fred Styles also lived at no. 11. The Martins lived nearby too.
Hi Win, my aunt is Pam Newman who celebrated her 77th birthday 2 days ago. The last picture in the Rillington Place photos is not a Coronation party photo, it was taken August 1945 at the VJ party, I have the exact same photo in my collection. I also have photos from the 1935 George V silver jubilee party, VE Party and Coronation party photos. Fred and Bess Styles also lived at n0. 11 and the Martins lived near too.
Hi Win, my aunt is Pamela Newman who celebrated her 77th birthday 2 days ago. That last picture in the Rillington Place series is not the Coronation Party but the VJ Party in August 1945, I have the exact same photo. I Have many others from all the other big events in Rillington place including a George V Silver Jubilee Party photo.
Hi Win, Pam Newman is my aunt. I have many photos of Rillington place and the exact same one that is the last of The Rillington photos above. That is not the coronation Party but the VJ Party in August 1945.
Lynne, I will change the details next to the photo. Sue at North Ken histories
Hi Win, I am Pam Newman’s niece, she celebrated her 77th birthday 2 days ago. The last picture of Rillington Place is not the Coronation Party but the VJ Party in 1945, I have the exact same picture.
Ooops, thought that it wasn’t working and just kept retrying, sorry for all the messages.
Hello win it’s Pam Newman can’t believe I’ve found you after all these years
Pam kelly now I was Pam Newman
I remember Billy Lawrence well. I’m Pam Newman from no 11.
Hello Pam its Win years later dont let us loose touch Pam Newman at no 11 opposite Christie. I hope you are well, I changed my name from Win to my second name Pat
Best regards Win
Hello Pam, what a blast from the past, so please to hear from you yes we had a lot of fun.
love to hear from you. I am sure a lot of people have passed, thats sad, we didn’t have this technology years ago. I remember the first people in the street was the Westburys, us kids used to try and peer through the window.
I went to an end of World War Two party that was held in Rillington Place. Does anyone else remember the occasion and maybe have photos? I was friends with Len Tunbridge whose father run a building business on the corner of St. Marks Rd and Rillington Place.
I have photos of bot the VE parties and the VJ parties in Rillington place. My grandparents were the Newmans who lived at N0.11.
Hell, I remember your grandparents, Pam and I and others had a lot of fun playing in Rillington Place, I think Pam stole my first boyfriend, Terry stickly, I cried for nearly half an hour. I was about 14. it seemed liked the end of the world for that half an hour . Cheers Win
Hello, Lynne my name is Win I used to play with Pam. I hope she is well, I haven’t had any response to my reply’s . Best regards Win
I do Derek of both the VJ and VE parties
Sorry I’m so late in replying. I now live in Adelaide south Australia and move round the country quite a bit. I would very much appreciate a photo of the Rillington place party .
My email drnew5960@icloud.com
Thanks Derek Newell
Pat Pichler can you get in touch with me, my mum Linda Tipper is from your neck of woods
Are you on facebook?
Sorry for all the additional entries, nothing was showing when I pressed send and I just kept retrying………
How is your aunty Pam, I havent been on here for a while. Win
My father grew up on Latimer Road his name was Brian Bateman and his brother was Ron his mum was Lou (nee Cooper) and his dad verge (known as Joe I think) Ron went on to marry Doreen Harvey (or Beryl Doreen Harvey) who also lived in the area. Any info would be great 🙂
Hi Sonya,why not join the facebook group Born in W11
Oops just noticed a typo … My grandad was ‘George known as Joe’ !!
In the third photo down I believe this is not meant to be Muffin the Mule on TV but a doggy in a window, Hence the note hanging below “How Much”
Hello tom, we’ve just found this site you’re correct that is my sister Pam and she was the doggy in the window, and i am the lord mayoress next to the boy dressed up as the jockey who is my cousin martin and the girl dressed up as the coronation cracker is my cousin linda
Hi all, my name is Tom Jelley. I am the son of Tom senior and Mrs Vi Jelley at 321 Latimer Road now living in Suffolk does anybody remember me long time ago?
hi tommy my name is ray godman i met you once in hounslow gas company you were working as a chippy, you used to live next door to johnny mac, my nan and cousins lived at 311 latimer road “twin Bells” I’ve travelled around the world a bit but now live in Torquay
My father was George Hough born in 1939 (sister Doreen, brothers Roy and Charlie). Lived in Wilsham Street and Avondale Park Road. Does anyone remember him? I would love to see any photos that you might have. Thank you.
Hi I was born in 11 Rillington Place and my mum and dad were Fred and Bess Styles. I have those Coronation Photos and can remember all the names of the kids in them also some of those in the Victory party photo. We had some great times in that street. Happy memories.
Hello Valerie, do you remember Patrica O’connor and Pamela O’connor? They’re in the 3rd and 4th picture and lived in 5 Bracewell Road
Hi my friend never thought I’d find you on Facebook love these old photos you are in a lot
Hello Pam , how are you I hope you had a good birthday, I will be 80 in Jan, its only a number isn’t it. I remember the fun we had as kids poor as church Mouses, But do you remember “a penny for the guy” Knocking dollies out of bed. And many more. All the best Win
Hello young Lady, do you remember the Styles had I think it was 2 girls, on of them went under the horse that the milk man used to bring the milk with, and the horse bit her.
Let me know how you are Pam, if you would like my email I will send it to you. Win
Hello Pam I hope you are well and happy after turning 80 I did in Jan and on my birthday I was on the operating table having a pacemaker put in. I wish we could relive the “good old days” Love Win
Hi Valerie, Bill Lawrence here from no.8. l remember you and Linda well. I took your sister to see the Beatles at Finsbury Park when we were teenagers. Bill..
Hello Bill, good to hear from you. Yes we had some good times in Rillington Place. It was a good old street to grow up in. I am down in Wiltshire now a bit different to Notting Hill. All the best Val
Hi Phoebe, no I am sorry I only know the children in the Rillington Place photos, perhaps someone else might recognise them.
Hi Valerie, I had a relative who lived at I think, 1 Rillington place.She was born in 1935 & I believe lived there for abt 19 years until she married. Her name was Margaret. I wondered if you knew her & if she is on any of the ve day celebrations
Sue
Hello Sue, I vaguely remember faired haired young woman living in No 1 but don’t recall her being in any of the Coronation Party photos. As she was that much older than me our paths never crossed when playing out in the street. Best wishes Val
My Grandad lived at No 1 with Rose Danvers until his death in 1941, I think she had a daughter?
Lynne
Sorry for the delay in posting; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYxku6Vcr30.
Some of you may find this interesting!
Hello, I found the pictures very interesting. I wonder if anyone can help me. My grandfather Joseph Percy Cook lived in Silchester Road, North Kensington. I know he had a furniture removal shop and I think the shop was called J.P. Cook and sons. I’ve no ideas about dates but I would say 1930-1950.
He had 5 sons and two daughters, Josh, and did used to play cricket and I think Herbert Cook’s son used to help him with furniture removals. Hoping you can help . Thankyou .
Hi Sally – were you Sally James? I think I’m your cousin Bobby. You might have visited our house in Bristol once with your Mum. I’ve just started doing some Ancestry research into the Cooks, and would be interested in contacting you! Thanks!
Where can I fine photo’s of street party’s for stebbing st.w10 west london
Hello 😉
lots of pictures ( Treverton street coronation party) and films in here if you are interested.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NHNKArchive
Love it if you would share your memories, its really helpful especially when people are getting a bit older to bring back the good ol’ days for them ;).
Hi, does anyone have any photos of the Coronation street party in St.Ann’s road….the Kenilworth end. I remember it vividly, we took our piano out into the street. It was the piano from the old Kenilworth when the new Kenilworth was built. Also any photos of the six little houses on the opposite side to the pub. My home was number 85, it was the last house before the start of Coltons oil shop (Embassy cafe) which continued around the corner into Mortimer Square. I have literally been searching for years for these photos. I would be gratefully for any info/help. Rita King.
P.S. Our side of St.Ann’s road came under Hammersmith, the pub side came under Kensington.