Comments on: Audrey Kneller Of Elder St

By: Marcia Howard

Marcia Howard — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 07:27:18 +0000

What a beautifully written Memoir. Ironic though of those wonderful names of Fleur-de-Lis and Blossom Street, but which contained such poverty and neglect. Thank you so much for this interesting post.

By: Yvonne Cheyney

Yvonne Cheyney — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 09:18:40 +0000

Thank you, Audrey. Sitting by my pool in Southern California, I often think of humble beginnings with you in Elder Street. I was the one, as a teenager, who had to light the gas light to get hot water for the bathtub. I lit it and literally ran for my life. It made a terrible loud bang when it was lit. We were, however, grateful to have an indoor bath tub and toilet. We would play with our friends on the street outside our front door. Like us, many had no fathers, having lost them in World War II. Having gone back to Elder Street a couple of times now, it sure is amazing how the street has changed – for the better I might add. It is wonderful how the Spitalfields Trust ensured that the houses be preserved. Love from your older sister, Yvonne

By: Sue

Sue — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 22:25:40 +0000

Wonderful reminiscences, thank you.
Sue

By: David P B Feder

David P B Feder — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 16:37:28 +0000

What a truly gentle and beautiful slice of that life and that time. Many thanks!

By: Jeanette

Jeanette — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 14:24:18 +0000

Thanks to Audrey, for sharing her story with us. Although, they sound hard times, the nostalgia gives one a yearning for childhood days. Mind you, as the youngest, I was always the last one to get that bath water in the zinc bath, that was set in front of the Gas oven for warmth. No, Health and Safety wasn’t such a thing as thankfully it is today.

My own Great Grandfathers memoirs are on this site, so if you get a moment please look up William Knapp and red the experience of a young man living and working in the City of London.

Thank you

By: Dalcy Gripich

Dalcy Gripich — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 13:43:58 +0000

Wonderful memoir of a very different life than the one I lived. Thank you!

By: Ken Green

Ken Green — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 12:47:29 +0000

What a fascinating description, and to find it still on Google Earth looking just as described, even to the basement railings!. Millionaires’ Row now though!!

By: Penny Gardner

Penny Gardner — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 10:37:40 +0000

Sounds familiar .A post WW2 London childhood.
Looking for adventure.
Minding your clothes and your manners .
A sense of responsibility to your family .
A trip out to Epping on the bus .

Why do we wring our hands over todays children? Just do the above and they will be OK.

By: Christopher

Christopher — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 08:21:32 +0000

Thank you Audrey for your article on your life in Elder Street. I enjoyed it very much.
Christopher

By: Roma Brooks

Roma Brooks — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 05:44:05 +0000

Absolutely fascinating. Beautifully written. Brought back memories of childhood, even though I was from a very different area. Thank you