The People's Archive

of Stratford-upon-Avon

Our stories, for all time

Father Christmas and an elf sitting together inside a decorated holiday den filled with cuddly toys and fairy lights. Stained glass window depicting a haloed figure in robes holding a staff, with smaller figures below and intricate architectural details, all in vibrant colours. A Women’s Land Army and Timber Corps badge featuring a gold wheat sheaf on a white background, topped with a crown, inside a Firmin & Sons Ltd display box. A man with a red mohican and polka-dot shirt sings into a microphone at an outdoor event, surrounded by people, colourful bunting, and posters for ska and punk bands. Two smiling women pose for a selfie at an outdoor festival with vendor stalls and colourful bunting in the background. Three men in suits standing together, with the man on the left wearing a ceremonial chain of office and the man on the right wearing military medals. Four adults in colourful, retro-inspired outfits smile and pose together on a street during an outdoor event. People and historic buildings are visible in the background. A vintage black and white photo shows a woman sitting and holding a newborn baby, both wrapped in blankets, with the woman gazing lovingly at the infant. Vintage clothing shop interior with racks of colourful clothes, beauty products, and sewing supplies. Several women in 1960s fashion stand throughout the shop. The floor is herringbone wood, and the lighting is warm. A brown illustration of a vintage radio with a telescopic aerial. Poster for the Stratford Born and Bred exhibition, showing older people holding photos, with Stratford landmarks, vintage aeroplane, and text overlaid. Event details appear at the bottom. Four aeroplanes are flying in formation against a cloudy sky, viewed from below in a black and white image. A collage featuring concert flyers, a vinyl record, handwritten notes, colourful drawings, and the Global Gathering logo on an orange background. Musical notes and patterns are scattered throughout. Two people sit at a table decorated with British flags, looking towards a TV. The walls display black-and-white portraits and Second World War memorabilia, including red poppies, British flags, and historical displays. Three elderly men in military uniforms with medals and berets sit closely together at a table with champagne glasses, smiling at a gathering or celebration. An elderly man with white hair and glasses sits indoors, wearing a blue jumper over a collared shirt. He is speaking, with the caption: And I've met this community. The background shows shelves and a lamp. A collage of colourful hand-drawn animals, trees, and local landmarks surrounds the text Wild Stratford-upon-Avon: Mapping our favourite local spots and memories on a light background. An elderly woman in a wheelchair smiles as she touches the embroidered patch on a bride's wedding dress. Two people stand behind a tall lectern decorated with colourful stars and a sun drawing, inside a church with ornate stained glass windows and stone arches.
The People's Archive of Stratford-upon-Avon

A collection of memories, selected to tell the story of Stratford through its people

Explore by theme

A nurse in a uniform and cap stands outside a wooden building, smiling and holding two swaddled newborn babies, one in each arm.

Health & Wellbeing

A hedgehog made from leaves, twigs, grasses, and acorns is arranged on white paper atop a leaf-patterned tablecloth.

Nature

Poster for the Stratford Born and Bred exhibition, showing older people holding photos, with Stratford landmarks, vintage aeroplane, and text overlaid. Event details appear at the bottom.

People of Stratford

Four people stand at an outdoor event; three wear Regency-era costumes, one holds a rainbow flag. Another holds a sign reading All about the PRIDE, not the PREJUDICE. Art prints are displayed behind them.

Something to Celebrate

A man with a red mohican and polka-dot shirt sings into a microphone at an outdoor event, surrounded by people, colourful bunting, and posters for ska and punk bands.

Sounds of Stratford

A young soldier in an old-fashioned military uniform and a side cap, looking directly at the camera. The image is colourised and has a soft, faded background.

Stratford at War

Yesterday & Today

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