Walmsley Estate

Does this spark any memories

The photograph above is from my husband’s family which shows a car at a carnival (not sure which one) advertising bungalows for sale in Laindon. The sign on top of the car says “We’re heading for happiness on Walmsley’s Estate”. 

The sign on the front of the car is headed “Laindon for Health” then “brick built bungalows selling for £360”. As these houses were built by my husband’s grandfather, it would be great if anyone can shed any light on this for me? I estimate that this was late 1930s early 1940s. 

My husband’s grandfather lived in Laindon in the 1920s and 1930s.  His name was Albert Laycock and his wife was called Ivy, but he may have gone under the name of Walmsley, as he subsequently changed his name to Walmsley in the 1940s. They had two sons whilst living in Laindon, Allan and Colin. When Colin was born in 1934 they were living in York Villa, High Road, Laindon. I’d be fascinated to know where the Walmsley Estate was and if it still exists? 

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  • Thanks, Wayne. I am Ian’s wife. In fact I met your Aunt Sheila for the first time last month at a funeral in Chelmsford. She and her husband were there with Eunice. Everything you’ve said is accurate.

    By Sheryl Walmsley (10/05/2023)
  • The Walmsleys were and are relations of mine, as they were related to my grandfather, Charles Wightman to whom he was a Colin and Alan’s uncle his sister being Ivy, my great aunt. My aunt Sheila and my Mum Valerie are still very much with us as is Colin’s son and daughter, I can’t remember their names I think his son was Ian .
    Colin married Heather and became H Witham and Sons funeral directors in Rayleigh High Street. Info a bit sketchy .. I can ask my aunt for more info lol.

    By Wayne Mahan (09/05/2023)
  • I’m researching people buried in Rayleigh, and came across Albert Walmsley/Laycok. Here are the details:-
    Walmsley/Laycock Albert
    Born: 6 Oct 1898 Bacup, Lancs..
    Married: 25 Dec 1923 to Ivy Isabel Lilian Mackey/Wightman
    Children: Joyce V I, Allan V, Colin Reginald W
    Died: 14 Jun 1971 Rochford district

    NB 11 Sep 1943 changed surname by deed poll from Laycock to Walmsley “for business purposes”.
    Funeral director & building contractor. Lived at ‘Clissold’, 141 , Eastwood Road 1971.

    By Neil Gordon (01/08/2020)
  • Thank you so much, Trevor and Nina.  All very interesting information.  I had been scanning maps of Laindon and had come to the conclusion that Archer Road was where the houses were.  There apparently used to be an estate of about 50 bungalows but there’s only a few remaining now.  I really appreciate your help, thank you.

    By Sheryl Walmsley (05/01/2014)
  • This photograph may possibly have been taken in Billericay.  Whilst looking through the newspaper archives for June 1936, I found a report of the Billericay Carnival which states the winners of the best decorated private vehicle were:  1st: Mrs Cole, Laindon.  2nd: A. Walmsley, Laindon.

    By Nina Humphrey(née Burton) (04/01/2014)
  • I lived in a semi-detached bungalow built by Walmsley – 34 Archer Road, Laindon. I was born there in 1942, and we moved out around 1958. The condition and style of the bungalow would fit with being built in the late 30’s. It was in a row of similar properties, so maybe this was the “Walmsley estate” (or part of it)?

    By Trevor Collison (24/08/2013)
  • Thank you, yes, that’s him as he ended up running a Funeral Furnisher business in Rayleigh. Thanks for your help. If anyone else can remember the estate, please let me know. Thanks.

    By Sheryl Walmsley (16/11/2012)
  • While I cannot remember a ‘Walmsley Estate’, there was an A.Walmsley of York Villa , Laindon High Rd. circa 1935 who advertised himself as a Funeral Furnisher and Monumental Mason.

    By WH.Diment (28/08/2012)

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