“Old Bob”, a well known Amersham character

Bob Grace
Bob Grace (PHO89)
"Old Bob" (Bob Grace) with the pram he used to help him to walk (PHO3302)
“Old Bob” with the pram he used to help him to walk

 

“Old Bob” lived in a shack in the graveyard at the top of The Platt with his dog and numerous cats for many years until he died in 1978. Before that he lived in a barn at Wilson’s Farm in Whielden Street where he worked.  He could be seen around the town pushing a pram because he couldn’t walk unaided.

Click here to see more photos of Bob and Wilson’s Farm.

 

Listen to Peter Haswell’s boyhood memories of Old Bob:

ZOOM0013  Bob lived in a barn of a farm off Whielden Street where he worked as a part-time farm labourer.

ZOOM0013  Bob had two allotments and knew how to grow prize marrows.

ZOOM0013  “He was like a God to us.”  Bob’s story of the mandrake roots in the hedgerows.

ZOOM0013  He made money when not busy on the farm by cutting props for washing lines and by catching and selling rabbits.

ZOOM0013  Bob used to carry a bag of potatoes in his teeth for a bet.  Peter used to collect Bob’s beer for him.

 

Plan Your Visit

Opening hours:

Wednesday to Sunday, and Bank Holiday Mondays, 12noon to 4:30pm

49 High Street
Old Amersham
Buckinghamshire
HP7 0DP

01494 723700
[email protected]

 

“Enjoyed our visit to this wonderful interactive museum where you are positively encouraged to touch things!”

“Visited Amersham museum yesterday – lovely place, provides many details on the history of the place. Plenty of cute cafes, pubs and shops around also… not difficult to find free parking nearby. ”

“A well-run, informative and interesting small museum on the main street. It’s mostly volunteer-run and they do a great job in keeping it and making you feel welcome…Check out the herb garden too.”

“Enjoyable film and television location guided walk around Amersham hosted by Amersham Museum – here are the Sun Houses on Highover Park and further up the hill is High & Over.”

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