What was the cost of Building a New House in Woodside,Wigmore in 1939?
My grandparents purchased a plot of land in Woodside in 1939 to build their own property when the whole area was being sold as individual plots for people to build on. The construction began in July 1939 and was completed in March 1940 despite the war starting and my grandfather being called up.
The invoice from the builder for constructing their bungalow is shown below. There are not many houses that you could build for £430 now! Bear in mind this was just the house building and the plot was purchased separately. You can read about the sale of plots across the area here Wigmore Estate Plans from 1912
Click on the image for a detailed version
The builder was SC Leadbetter & Co of 105 Bedhurst Road, Wigmore, Builders, Decorators and General Repairs.
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A photo of Rainham looking towards the Isle of Grain, taken by Sid Gilbert.
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Often we are looking at elements of history all around us but not the one place we walk all the time - beneath our feet! There are many examples showing the history of the local area and how it has developed and changed over the years. Some of the manhole and utility covers show the names and dates of long gone companies but do reflect the changes over the years. Next time you are out have a look beneath your feet and see what you can spot!
The cover below shows CDWW, 1948. I believe this is Chatham and District Water Works and would be one of the older water mains in the area when some of the new estates were being built along Maidstone Road.
The cover below shows CDWW, 1955, again showing the likely ages of the roads that were built after the Second World War.
A later one then follows with RWC - presumably Rainham Water Company
Finally a reminder of the old Borough of Gillingham, now consumed into Medway Council unitary authority.
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Maps of Rainham Kent over the years. These maps show how Rainham Kent has grown in size over the last 150 years.
Rainham Mark c1869
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Programme for Rainham Horticultural Society Show 1957
The scans below are of the Programme for Rainham Horticultural Society Show 1957. They show some of the local businesses in Rainham Kent that were operating in 1957 which gives a glimpse into life in Rainham in the 1950s. Very few of these local traders are still operating in Rainham.
Click on the pages to see a larger version. Notice the adverts for Watts The Chemist and other shops that have since closed.
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Click on the pages to see a larger version. Notice the adverts for Watts The Chemist and other shops that have since closed.
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- Category: History Articles
Subcategories
Historical tales Article Count: 3
Historical tales
Rainham Life Article Count: 10
Rainham Life
Local Events Article Count: 48
Local Events
Photos Article Count: 143
Photos
Action Forum Article Count: 234
Action Forum is a free monthly magazine that is distributed to the Rainham area covering Wigmore, Parkwood and Hempstead as well. This archive covers old copies of the magazine dating back to its initial publication in 1969 and give a fascinating glimpse into life in Rainham over the last 50 years.
Link to Article Index - Action Forum Index - Photos and Articles from 1969 onwards