This week’s Down Memory Lane takes a look at the old High Street in Grays.

The picture shows the High street as it was in 1926, in the foreground can be seen the old Anchor and Hope Inn, which dated from the 17th century.

In the Victorian era it became a “chop and coffee House” and a favourite meeting place for sailing barge skippers and watermen waiting for customers.

The attic was used as a watch room by the Board of Admiralty for many years.

In 1926 others businesses located nearby were Samuel J Carter, newsagent, Frederick Lee, dining rooms and George Walden, hairdresser.

Down Memory Lane is written by Andrew Burt, Librarian & Local Studies Officer Thurrock Libraries.

If you have any local history enquiries please E-mail: ANburt@ thurrock.gov.uk or call on 01375 413970.