312 Histon Road (©FarukKara – www.faruk.kara.org.uk)

312, Providence House / Villa, Histon Road

History of 312 Histon Road

1871

Ebenezer Tredgett was living with his parents in South Street in 1861. In 1866 he married Sarah, b 1848. At the time of the 1871 census the two are in London visiting Thomas James, a fruit salesman. So it may be that by 1871 the couple were already living at 312 Histon Road. The Ainger Nursery was opposite.

There is a detailed web page about this family.

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Ainger Nursery: (research by KT 2022)

Ainger Nursery was owned by the father George and either co-owned or managed with his two sons Harvey and Ebenezer. It appears the nursery was founded in 1846. This date  is based on a 1867 advert referring to 21 years service to the public  as placed by E Tredgett dated 02 November 1867. Records held by the Royal Horticultural Society show G Tredgett was a member classed as a seedsman. Ebenezer was also a member. As was Sarah his wife though she was classed as a florist. A newspaper notice dated 1886 informs the local ladies and gentry Ainger Nursery was not going to re-new its’ lease. 

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The house was built for Ebenezer Tredgett.

1881 (312 Histon Road)

Ebenezer Tredgett, 33, nurseryman employing 9 men and 3 boys, b Bottisham

Sarah, 33, b Cambridge

Kate, 14, b Chesterton

Harry, 12, b Chesterton

Frederick E, 11, b Chesterton

Flora B, 9, b Chesterton

Jessie G, 7, b Chesterton

Sidney H, 6, b Chesterton

Ebenezer, 4, b Chesterton

Rosa, 2, b Chesterton

Ada C, 1, b Chesterton

In 1885 Ebenezer left Cambridge, and his wife and family, and travelled to New Zealand with Maude Constable who had been a shop assistant at their fruiterers at 31 Market Hill.

This article, written in 2020, by a descendent  of  Ebenezer (who changed his name to Edward Turner) and Maude, explains the context and events behind the couple’s departure for New Zealand:

Edward Turner – Villain or Hero?

Edward Turner – Villain or Hero? pt2

31 Market Hill timeline

Edward Turner in New Zealand

See also A Community Remembers: Histon Road p.71f.

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1939 Providence Villa

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1962

Mrs P Forbes