27 Newmarket Road (6 Auckland Terrace)

History of 27 Newmarket Road

1891

William  Illsley, 48, manager coal merchant, b Beds

Jane, 50, b Grantchester

Helen M, 18, b Cambridge

Ernest W, solicitor clerk, b Cambridge

Elizabeth Maude S, 12, b Cambridge

Frances R, 10, b Cambridge

In 1881 the Illsley family were living at 7 Paradise Street

Their eldest daughter was Maude b1878. She married Arthur Matthew at the age of 19 and went on to have an important influence on the business of Matthew and Son. Bernard Matthew recalled in his memoirs: William Illsley used to drive a dogcart – one of the kind that had rather large wheels and the seat was therefore high up. He had the misfortune to be thrown out  – I presume the horse shied at something – and broke his thigh. This kept him in bed in hospital and at home for a considerable time. During this time his son Ernest was left in charge of the business, but by the time Grandpa was able to return to it there was no business left but only a stable of racehorses! The upshot was that Ernest was presented with a one way ticket to Buenos Aires. My father helped Grandpa Illsley to get his business on its feet again. Ernest’s sisters were more capable, one becoming a civil servant, another a secretary and Maude proving herself a good businesswoman.

1901 6 Auckland Terrace

William F Illsley, 58, coal merchant, b Beds

Jane, 60, b Grantchester

Frances R, 20, typist secretary, b Grantchester

1913 vacant

1962

Mrs J Lane