137-143 Histon Road History, Cambridge
Behind the new devleopment at 137–143 Histon Road lies a rich story of orchards, poultry yards, charities, and a pioneering laundry that once served Cambridge. From 19th-century hosiers and poulterers to the much-loved Histon Road Recreation Ground, this land has always been alive with community history.
Discover the Full Story
Behind today’s new development on Histon Road lies a fascinating story stretching back nearly two centuries.
In the 1840s, this land was divided into strips of orchards, gardens, and poultry yards. Forman Biggs Smith, a Cambridge hosier, tended his apple trees and grape vines here; while Robert Moore, a poulterer and feather merchant, kept his business on the site. Part of the land belonged to Edward Storey’s Charity, a foundation created in the 17th century to support widows and maidens of the city.
Later, the area blossomed into productive orchards and became home to the Garden House, where the Westley family grew gooseberries, apples, and clover. By the early 20th century, the story shifted again with the arrival of the Stokesay Laundry, a pioneering local business run first by Eva Sophia Williams and Nora Ashfield, later by the Papworth brothers, before passing to the Co-operative Society.
Alongside this industrial life, part of the land became the much-loved Histon Road Recreation Ground, a space that still serves the community today.
This is a tale of orchards and industry, charity and community, woven into the everyday life of Cambridge.
In addition to this history, I am currently writing a history of the ‘Huntingdon Road Estate’, as it was once called, which covers the area bound by Huntingdon Road and Histon Road, and which includes roads such as Richmond Road, Oxford Road and many others in the surrounding area. If you have any memories, pictures or would like to add anything to that please do get in touch.
A forthcoming history of both the Stokesay Laundry, Histon Road Recreation Ground and of the British Queen is also in progress.
All will be uploaded on my website in due course.