AN UNEXPECTED RETURN TO EATON BRAY

January 2025. Eaton Bray.

Mum died peacefully on Monday morning, starting a week of phone calls and paper trails and photo selection,

but I made my priority that night to visit the church where Mum and Dad were married in 1961,

in Eaton Bray, just north of the Dunstable Downs.

She was born in this house at the head of a lane leading to open fields,

right next to Eaton Bray’s surviving pub.

My sis just dug out a 1930s postcard of the White Horse,

looking remarkably unchanged bar the loss of the Benskins sign.

The sun broke through as we paused by Mum’s birthplace, so here’s some more photos from a picturesque but unsung edge-of-Chilterns village,

a place where few come to pay homage.

Which is odd, as Mrs RM and I actually had our honeymoon here, too.

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Published by retiredmartin

Retired NHS, doing long walks around UK and the world to record the great bits. Focused on Good Beer Guide pubs and live music.

28 thoughts on “AN UNEXPECTED RETURN TO EATON BRAY”

  4. My condolences, Martin.
    That’s a sad but lovely post as a tribute.
    Been through the same myself not so long ago and a lot of what you’ve written recently has really hit a chord.

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  11. Over the years I’ve become fond of and happily used to your references and time with your parents. I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. A lovely tribute. R.

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  12. So sorry for your loss, Martin. A Mum really is a wonderful, cherished thing that we don’t always fully appreciate until after they’ve gone. I lost mine just over three years ago and I still miss her terribly, in ways I never knew I would. Much love to you all.

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    1. Bobby, my father and mother left us in 2002 and 2004.

      I miss them more with each passing year, as we do with Mrs. E’s.

      I can only echo what other posters have said.

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  16. Hi, I came across your lovely tribute to your Mum. A great photo of your parents – they look so happy. Interesting to see your Mother was born in the house I now live in. What year was she born here – be great to know some history, all the best to you – enjoy the walks! Gina

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    1. That’s lovely to hear xxx Gina.

      We walked down Park Lane to the field at the end. First time in Eaton Bray since our honeymoon 31 years ago.

      If I find out anymore history I’ll add it to the post, but I’m not very good at history !

      Best wishes

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