Staines is an urban area in the Borough (Hundreds) of Spelthorne (Speletorne or Spelethorne 2 spellings noted). The main towns in Spelthorne are Staines (Stanes), Ashford (Exeford), Stanwell (Stanwelle), Shepperton (Scepertone), Sunbury (Sunbarie). Staines is the administrative centre of the Borough and has the largest shopping area. Spelthorne is a district of London, that has a population of approximately 90,000, and covers 21 square miles.

(words in brackets are from the Domesday Book. c.1086.)

Staines was in Middlesex County, that was taken away in the 60's. Most older Staines residents, still say Staines, Middlesex when they talk about it. The post office allows the mail to have Staines, Middlesex, on the envelopes.

PHOTOS

I was recently given access to some photos of the Digs in Staines, so I will add some of them on this site. I believe most are from the Barclay's Bank site. If you have any information about the photos do please send it to me so that I can add it to the page. Thanks.

During the 1960's and 1970's Staines changed it's look, many of the older buildings were pulled down and modern buildings were erected. It changed the face of the town. Right now in 2021 the face is expected to change again, with high rise buildings emerging over the older buildings. These high rise buildings are said to be for Affordable Housing. The planning people have topped the height of these high risers to be 6 floors, due to the planes coming over Staines.

The first photo is of the Barclay's Bank. The new Barclay's Bank still stand in this spot. (Opposite McDonalds)

Yesterday - This is the Old Barclay's Bank along the High Street. Built in 1869. Previously owned by the Ashby Bank. (Ashbies Breweries) (Photo by Maureen Rendell)

Today - The Elmsleigh Shopping Centre entrance on the High Street.

The Sixties (copyright Francis Frith Collection) From where WH Smith's (they incoporated the Midland Bank building into their shop so that it is all one today) is on the High Street, down to about where the building with 2 big chimneys is located, is still about the same, the shops have changed but the buildings are almost the same. Bata's Shoe shop (where I worked when I left school!) is Sue Ryder's charity shop. The ABC Restaurant and Bakery is now Nostrano Lounge, still a restaurant, Snappy Snaps is the next one and then Cafe Nero. Beyond those are the Banks, HSBC, then Nat West in the original building with the chimneys, Barclay's and then Lloyds.

2020 Up to date photo of the same place as the above photo. You can see that the buildings are almost the same even though the shops, except for WH Smith's, have changed. The Statue is of the 'Lino Men'.

 

The Market

The Market, painting by M Butler ©.

The old Market back in the 50's.

Rotary Club painting of the Market that was used on their Christmas cards back in the 70's.
Notice the beloved hat shop in the rounded window. It was always a joy window shopping there!
(This painting has recently (2019 ?) been donated to the Spelthorne Museum)

The Market in the 1940's



An empty Maket Square, prior to County Sports being burned down. Also it looks like Edwards the Jewellers who dealt in '£sd'
after the new currency came in is still there.

Staines has always been a Market town even in Roman times, and history says that a market has been held in Staines since the iron age. In their book, 'Snapshots of Staines', the Barkers say 'it was certainly in existence in 1218'. I remember the market always being in the Town Hall Market Square, and walking around it when I was a kid. It always amazed me because of the aroma that came from the stalls. Christmas even now has to have that smell of the market; celery, tangerines, and all the fruit and veg that goes with it. I loved the hustle and bustle of the market back then. I would hang on to my Mum's hand tightly, there were always so many people around in those days, even though I loved it, I was quite scared. In 2001 the market moved it's location and is now held in the High Street. The smells have changed since I was a kid, now you get the aroma of hot dogs, burgers and donuts instead of the traditional ones, but the market continues in Staines.

Today's modern Market on the High Street.

The Greengrocer's located outside the Elmsliegh Centre

 

Various Photos from Google Earth and elsewhere of different places in Staines plus extra information are listed below. Town Hall High Street Art Works in Staines Banks Smiths to Banks Cinema's The Lino Premier Inn White Lion Clarence Street Church Street Thames Street Extras 1 Floods Ashby's Digs Stations Destruction Golden Boy Dragonfly Dezignz