Forgotten Stories: hop-picking in the fields of Kent

Forgotten Stories: hop-picking in the fields of Kent

For many Royal Docks area families it was their only holiday. The working and living conditions would have today’s ‘elf and safety police up in arms. But as journalist and historian Colin Grainger recalls, it’s almost impossible to find anyone who didn’t love...
Forgotten Stories: Black Saturday

Forgotten Stories: Black Saturday

Attacks from the air during World War II had a devastating effect on London’s Royal Docks and the people who lived and worked in the area. The bombings began in July, 1940, but the start of what’s known as The Blitz was marked later that year by Black Saturday. It was...
Forgotten Stories: The Ferry Festival

Forgotten Stories: The Ferry Festival

Local journalist and historian Colin Grainger recalls some of the many Forgotten Stories from Ferry Festival events of the past. It means so much to everyone, even though it is one of the most recent of our stories. It is the community’s way of showing that an...
Forgotten Stories: the miracle of Grenadier Street

Forgotten Stories: the miracle of Grenadier Street

Local journalist and historian Colin Grainger recalls the miracle of Grenadier Street, a Forgotten Stories gem amidst the horrors of war. Black Saturday and The Blitz bring many memories to different generations in the Royal Docks area. Even today, unexploded bombs...
Forgotten Stories – the Great Flood of ’53

Forgotten Stories – the Great Flood of ’53

The magnificent Thames Flood Barrier at Silvertown protects London from flooding. But the communities around London’s Royal Docks were not always so lucky. We bring you Forgotten Stories that shaped the past and present of this iconic part of the capital city. What is...
Forgotten Stories: Whale meat again…

Forgotten Stories: Whale meat again…

Local journalist and historian Colin Grainger recalls the childhood song that dates back to the day in 1899 when a 30-ton whale met its grisly end on the banks of the River Thames in North Woolwich. There’s a long tradition in East London both for children and adults...