Princesses Parade on the Waterside , Crayford

Image: © Roger D Kidd Taken: 13 Jul 1964

Looking towards Crayford Way, the B2186. When I took this photograph this was in Kent, and I still see it that way! Although the fire appears to be behind the houses, it was more than half a mile away. The River Cray flows by the fence, through the gardens on the right. For comparison, and details regarding the shops and flats, built in 1916, please do look at Nigel Cox's 2008 image Image Having helped me find out where I was to get this July 1964 image, Nigel has also unearthed this fascinating information: "Fire brigades from Dartford, Bexley and Sidcup were called yesterday to fight a fire at an oil and rosin refinery at Jolly Farmers Wharf, Crayford in Kent. At one time 50 firemen were engaged, but later more men and machines were called for until there were 80 men and 15 appliances in action. Oil drums exploded on the wharf as flames spread. Trains using the railway line alongside the depot were slowed down. Some traffic was diverted and extra police called in to control the crowds. The fire was later brought under control. A fire brigade official said that damping down operations would go on all night." (from "The Times" 14 July 1964). The hedged garden area in the foreground has now gone. Image scanned from a 35mm Ilford FP3 monochrome negative.

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