Broth bowl lid ‘Geranium border pattern’ J Hobson (1866-75) (Photo Matt Moon)

31 Shelly Row

History of 31 Shelly Row

1850s

In 2025 JK sent this note:

John Hobson & family lived here. John was born in Histon in 1813, lived in Bridge Street, then Mount Pleasant before moving to Shelley Row in the 1850s. His first wife Frances died in 1848 and they had two children together Louisa M and Frederick W. He married Susan Hannah Frohock in 1857 and they lived in Shelley Row with their six children – Herbert, Susan F, Thomas, twins (H)Ester H & (Susan) Elisabeth, and Frank William Hobson. John was a Cook and worked at Magdalene College 1866- 1875. In a recent article photographs of Magdalene college plates bearing his name were included. He died in 1899 and left the property to his son Frank William Hobson. Hester Hannah Hobson married Henry Thomas Pye scientific instrument maker in 1895.

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1861

John Hobson, 48, cook, b Milton

Susan Hannah, 35, b Madingley

Louisa, 19, dressmaker, b Cambridge

Frederick W, 17, cook, b Cambridge

Herbert, 4, b Cambridge

Susan F, 1, b Cambridge

In 1851 the family are living in Mount Pleasant

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1871

John Hobson, 58, cook, b Histon

Susan H, 44, b Madingley

Herbert, 13, b Cambridge

Florance, 11, b Cambridge

Thomas, 8, b Cambridge

Susan E, 4, b Cambridge

Ester H, 4, b Cambridge

Frank W, 2, b Cambridge

Jane Duble, 17, servant, b Cambridge

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1881

John Hobson, widower, 69, cook, b Histon

Florence, 21, housekeeper, b Cambridge

Thomas, 17, merchant’s clerk, b Cambridge

Elizabeth, 14, b Cambridge

Hester, 14, b Cambridge

Frank W, 12, b Cambridge

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1891

John Hobson, 78, retired cook

Elizabeth H, 23,

Hester, 23,

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1901 vacant

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1913

Charles Fuller

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1962

Mrs Caldecoat