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Kensington Gardens

Photo:A photograph of Kensington Gardens, Brighton

A photograph of Kensington Gardens, Brighton

Memories of a bygone time
By Carol Hardy

I can remember Kensington Gardens before it became "trendy". There used to be lovely, homely shops, where everybody knew everybody else. At the Gloucester Road end on one corner was Cramphorns, a pet food shop, and on the other corner was Steers the greengrocers. At this end of the gardens there was the Kensington public house, a newsagents owned by a chap called Gus, and a family butcher's. I haven't been to Kensington Gardens for over twenty five years now,and I doubt if I should recognise it now.

This page was added on 22/03/2006.

Comments:

What year are you talking about because when I first came to Brighton in 1985 I remember Kensington Gardens as already quite trendy.
By Jackie Ilett (19/02/2005)
I too have many memories of Kensington Gardens. The butcher was Charlie Eggelton (opposite the Kensington pub) and Barney took over the Cramphorns shop. He sold all manner of items. I had the electrical shop near the Kensington for many years (Washing Machine Rentals) and around 1960 rented out small Hoover washing machines - delivered to houses, mainly in the Hangleton Estate for 2 shillings and sixpence an hour (can you believe that?). Maybe there is someone who rented from me?
By Eric Noble (08/03/2005)

Carol, I also remember Kensington Gardens. I lived there from the 1930's to 47. My Mother had a shop there, I know the shops that you mentioned. Brighton/Hove was a great place.
Love to hear from you. I love reminiscence.
My e-mail address Geshoo123@aol.com

By Anita (25/10/2007)

Yes definitely trendy in 1985, I remember first going there about 1969/70, it was trendy then! If you wanted run-of-the-mill then Burtons at the Clock Tower, but if you wanted "tie-dye" "flared jeans" or "hippy gear", then Kensington Gardens was the "place to be". Probably it became trendy (along with much of North Laine) mid 1960's, Brighton's answer to Carnaby Street.

By Peter Groves (29/12/2007)

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