Millennium Memory Bank

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Listen to over 350 extracts from the Millennium Memory Bank, one of the largest single oral history collections in Europe, recorded by BBC local radio stations during 1998 and 1999. More.

All recordings on this site are governed by licence agreements.

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• Hackney, Greater London

  Hackney, Greater London: Freddie talks about the origins of Ridley Road market and explains how it continues to flourish despite changes in shopping patterns. There is some background noise as the recording took place at Ridley Road Market. Harrods...

• Bermondsey, Southwark, Greater London

  Bermondsey, Southwark, Greater London: Sophie and Sam describe their bedrooms and talk about what they do in their spare time. Surrey Quays is an area of Bermondsey, whilst Greenwich (just to the east of Bermondsey) and Catford (to the southeast) are...

• Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne

  Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne: Mark talks about getting married and setting up home in the early 1960s. He also describes the competitive camaraderie he recalls during his early working life as a labourer.

• Leeds

  Leeds: Six Leeds teenagers discuss their concerns for the future and outline their hopes and aspirations. Belle Isle is an area in the south of Leeds and Bridlington is a seaside resort to the northeast of Leeds.

• Holy Island, Northumberland (cf. SED Lowick)

  Holy Island, Northumberland (cf. SED Lowick): Alison speaks about her family’s life on Holy Island and the difficulties associated with making a living from farming on the island. She reminisces about her childhood and contrasts the increased feeling o...