Sonning
Sonning maps (2 available)
Map of Berkshire
Beautifully hand-drawn and coloured, dating from around 1840
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Sonning books (10 available)
- 6 photos on Sonning appear in 7 Frith books - View photos of Sonning
- Read extracts and see photos from these books on Sonning and Berkshire
Sonning memories
Read and share memories of Sonning and Berkshire inspired by Frith photos
Great Great Great Grandad James Sadler
To be honest this isn't a memory, more like a discovery whilst compiling our family tree with a new-found family member Jim (also James) Sadler. My G.G.G.Grandad was James Sadler, born 1815, father of 5, Lock Keeper from 1845-1885 or thereabouts. When he died in 1885 his son Thomas William Sadler took over. Maybe if Thomas had any sons then the Lock Keeping may have stayed in the family? As it is, and as far as I am aware, Thomas and his Wife Eliza Sadler nee Warner had two daughters Lilian and Flora.
Contributed by Nicky Witts
Berkshire memories
Great Great Great Grandad James Sadler
To be honest this isn't a memory, more like a discovery whilst compiling our family tree with a new-found family member Jim (also James) Sadler. My G.G.G.Grandad was James Sadler, born 1815, father of 5, Lock Keeper from 1845-1885 or thereabouts. When he died in 1885 his son Thomas William Sadler took over. Maybe if Thomas had any sons then the Lock Keeping may have stayed in the family? As it is, and as far as I am aware, Thomas and his Wife Eliza Sadler nee Warner had two daughters Lilian and Flora.
A memory of Sonning contributed by Nicky Witts
The Polehampton Schools
I think this picture could show Mr Farthing who was a teacher at the Boys School, near the railway bridge. When I was walking to and from the girls' school at the other end of the village I often used to meet him rolling along, puffing his pipe. I had schoolfriends who lived at public houses on the High Street. One pub was the Duke of Wellington - the name of the other escapes me. You can see a baker's shop. I won't divulge the name of the baker, but I can remember his dog devouring the icing off one of their birthday cakes. Mrs. H., his wife confided to us that they had re-iced it it, because they didn't like ...read more here
A memory of Twyford contributed by Phoebe Newton
Flint Cottage
I am not sure about the exact year. I have fond memories of visiting my nan who lived in Flint Cottage and just wondered what happened to it and see if anyone knew anything about it as would like to find out more. The date I have put on was the year I was born so if anyone can help please email me.
A memory of Ruscombe contributed by Jean Carter
Extracts From Sonning & Berkshire books
About three miles downstream we reach Sonning Lock, seen here on a tranquil late summer’s day. The lock has since been entirely reconstructed, and the lock-keeper’s cottage, seen peeping from the trees, was rebuilt in 1916. Note the tall ladder leaning in the apple tree. To the right are the grounds of the Reading Blue Coat School which moved here in 1946.
An extract from from"Down the Thames Photographic Memories".
A small child perches precariously on the lock gate balance beam: one wriggle and disaster could follow. To the left, a huge ladder is in place, seemingly to pick the fruit hanging from the branches.
An extract from from"Canals and Waterways".
An extract from from"Berkshire Photographic Memories".
Upstream from the lock at Sonning, the 18th-century bridge spans the river, and the recreational use of the water is plain to see. The skiffs and punts available for hire across the water are from what is now the Great House Hotel. The church suffered at the hands of 19th-century ‘restorers’, although there are some 15th-century brasses to be seen.
An extract from from"Canals and Waterways".
Upstream from the lock at Sonning, the 18th-century bridge spans the river, and the recreational use of the water is plain to see. The skiffs and punts available for hire across the water are from what is now the Great House Hotel. The church suffered at the hands of 19th-century ‘restorers’ , although there are some 15th-century brasses to be seen.
An extract from from"Canals and Waterways".