Views of Bene't Street and Free School Lane Cambridge c1890
Views of Bene't Street and Free School Lane Cambridge c1890
Views of Bene't Street and Free School Lane Cambridge c1890
These photographs are of a previously unpublished Victorian photograph album acquired at auction in Ely in 2026. It is one of a series documenting Cambridge and locations throughout Cambridgeshire.
You can the full album by clicking HERE.
© Michelle Bullivant. Image from the Victorian Photograph Album Collection. Please contact the author before reproducing.
Views of Bene't Street and Free School Lane Cambridge c1890 MBHPC-039
Photograph 039
Reference: MBHPC-039
Title: Bene't Street, Cambridge, looking east.
Identification: Confirmed view of Bene't Street, Cambridge, looking east, with the entrance to Free School Lane on the right.
Confidence: Confirmed (100%)
Location: Bene't Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire.
Date: c.1880–1910 (subject to refinement).
Photographer: Unknown.
Photographic Process: Gelatin silver print (probable).
Description: A street view looking east along Bene't Street, showing horse-drawn traffic travelling along the cobbled roadway. The entrance to Free School Lane is visible on the right-hand side, while a row of commercial premises lines the north side of Bene't Street. The photograph captures Cambridge's busy commercial centre before the arrival of motor traffic.
Notes: The photograph is taken from Bene't Street looking east. The entrance to Free School Lane is clearly visible on the right-hand side, while the distinctive arrangement of buildings and the surviving street alignment closely match the modern streetscape.
Part of the Michelle Bullivant Victorian Photograph Collection (MBHPC), comprising previously unpublished photographs from a Victorian album purchased at auction in Ely in 2026.
Free School Lane, Cambridge, looking towards Bene't Street. c1890 MBHPC-040
Photograph 040
Reference: MBHPC-040
Title: Free School Lane, Cambridge, looking towards Bene't Street.
Identification: Confirmed view looking along Free School Lane towards Bene't Street, Cambridge.
Confidence: Confirmed (100%)
Location: Free School Lane, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire.
Date: c.1880–1910 (subject to refinement).
Photographer: Unknown.
Photographic Process: Gelatin silver print (probable).
Description: A view looking north-west along Free School Lane towards its junction with Bene't Street. The churchyard wall and railings of St Bene't's Church occupy the left-hand side of the lane, while commercial buildings line the right. A Victorian gas lamp stands beside the churchyard, and pedestrians walk towards the junction where the premises of Wilson & Son, Bookbinders can be seen.
Notes: The photograph was taken from within Free School Lane looking towards Bene't Street. The alignment of the lane, the churchyard wall and railings of St Bene't's Church, the position of the gas lamp and the surrounding buildings correspond closely with the surviving streetscape. The premises of Wilson & Son, Bookbinders, visible at the end of the lane on Bene’t Street.
Part of the Michelle Bullivant Victorian Photograph Collection (MBHPC), comprising previously unpublished photographs from a Victorian album purchased at auction in Ely in 2026.
Part of the Michelle Bullivant Victorian Photograph Collection (MBHPC), comprising previously unpublished photographs from a Victorian album purchased at auction in Ely in 2026. You can see the full album by clicking HERE.