Catalogue

Interview
496, CH/017/0134
Community History Collection

Speaker: Britten, Dennis, 1923 - , Interviewee, Male, Shoe worker; Driver;
Speaker: Brown, Cynthia, Interviewer, Female

Summary of interview item: Recalls the Wharf Street area of Leicester prior to the Second World War. Lists public houses such as 'The Three Cranes' and the 'Braziers Arms' found in the area. Recalls the Hippodrome picture house and the films shown. Recalls moving into Lee Street near Wharf Street in 1928/29 until slum clearance and relocation to Northfields area of Leicester. Describes terrace housing in Lee Street and informs on families being sent to Northfields or Braunstone. Recalls local shops in Wharf Street including price of sweets. Recalls unemployment and parents work. Mentions popularity of Working Men's Clubs and circular bus tours from Humberstone Gate. Describes holidays on family friend's farm in Hungarton, Leicestershire and in Skegness, Lincolnshire. Recalls games played in street and tight knit community of the area. Remembers visits to Victoria Park, watching the Salvation Army and Sunday school. Mentions the rent paid, landlord, Mr. Holyoak and facilities of house in Lee Street. Describes Ellis Avenue school, including facilities and corporal punishment. Briefly mentions working for Willetts shoes on Abbey Park Road. Recalls being sent as driver under Essential Works Order, during Second World War, to drive Prisoners of War (POWs) and later displaced persons to work from local camps. Mentions places he bicycled to and swimming at Spencer Street pool and Kenwood Lido. Recalls the City centre shop displays at Christmas and Christmas presents. Comments on living in Northfields.
Place of birth: Leicester
Education: Ellis Avenue school, Leicester;
Marital Status: , Children:
Father's Occupation: Boot and shoe worker
Mother's Occupation: Hosiery overlocker
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Leicester
Periods Covered: 1920s, 1930s, 1940s,
Language: English

Recording Date: 1/10/1993
Playing time: 30 mins
Access Restrictions: Full clearance Item Copyright: CHCL
Summary: Yes
Transcription: Yes
Copies: yes
Cross Reference: CH/005/0120

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Last updated: 08/05/02 East Midland Oral History Archive Web maintainer This document has been approved by the head of department or section.