River Cam looking east towards the chimney of Thompsons Lane Electric Power Station c.1895.
River Cam looking east towards the chimney of Thompsons Lane Electric Power Station c.1895.
These photographs are of a previously unpublished Victorian photograph album acquired at auction in Ely in 2026.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.
River Cam looking east towards the chimney of Thompsons Lane Electric Power Station. c.1895. MBHPC-042
Photograph 042
Reference: MBHPC-042
Title: River Cam looking east towards the chimney of Thompsons Lane Electric Power Station.
Identification: Confirmed view looking east along the River Cam towards the chimney of Thompsons Lane Electric Power Station, which was built from 1892.
Confidence: Confirmed (100%)
Location: Quayside River Cam, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire.
Date: c.1895 (subject to refinement).
Photographer: Unknown.
Photographic Process: Gelatin silver print (probable).
Description: View looking east along the River Cam towards the chimney of Thompsons Lane Electric Power Station, which was built from 1892. The wall of Magdalene college, situated across the river on the left of the photograph.
Notes: The distinctive chimney identifies the former Electric Power Station. The photograph records both the recreational use of the river and the industrial character of this north eastern reach of Cambridge Quayside before later redevelopment.
My good friend Pam Halls identified this photograph, as I had initially thought it was the chimney of the old sewage works (now the Museum of Technology, where Pam is greatly involved). I had sent Pam the photograph to help as I just couldn’t match the surrounding buildings and wall on the riverside and knew I was off - she came back straight away with the correct identification of the Electric Power Station :)
Photograph within the album
River Cam looking east towards the chimney of Thompsons Lane Electric Power Station.c.1895. MBHPC-042
Part of the Michelle Bullivant Victorian Photograph Collection (MBHPC), comprising previously unpublished photographs from a Victorian album purchased at auction in Ely in 2026.
© Michelle Bullivant. Image from the Victorian Photograph Album Collection. Please contact the author before reproducing.
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