14th century Cambridge map from ‘Outside the Barnwell Gate’ by H P Stokes, 1915′

Emmanuel Street / Emmanuel Lane / Blackfriars’ Lane, Cambridge

History of Emmanuel Street

In medieval times this road was known as Preachers’ Lane, or Blackfriar’s Lane because of its proximity to the Dominican Priory on its south side. The priory gave up ownership of the lane in the reign of Henry III in return for land to the south of the priory.

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In 1825 the Careless family was living here.

See Mill Road Cemetery entry

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Troops of the Royal Welch Fusiliers en route to St Neots on 4 May 1915.

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18 April 1901
Cambridge Borough Council reported negotiations with Emmanuel College to exchange land, close the existing Emmanuel Street and create a new, shorter and wider road between St Andrew’s Street and Drummer Street. The existing street was carrying heavy traffic, including over 1,000 cyclists on a Saturday. Comment: This marks the start of the long-running redevelopment of Emmanuel Street.
Source: Mike Petty Archive, Cambridge Emmanuel Street Scrapbook, 18 April 1901.

22 February 1906
The Council debated cancelling the agreement to close Emmanuel Street. Members argued the revised alignment might create an even more dangerous corner, but accepted that the agreement with Emmanuel College was legally binding.
Source: Mike Petty Archive, Cambridge Emmanuel Street Scrapbook, 22 February 1906.

17 May 1906
The Council reconsidered the redevelopment proposals. Emmanuel College had delayed rebuilding two dilapidated houses because of the agreement and had consequently lost ground rent. Compensation by means of a subway beneath Emmanuel Street was suggested.Source: Mike Petty Archive, Cambridge Emmanuel Street Scrapbook, 17 May 1906.

5 September 1911
A schoolboys’ strike demonstration assembled on Christ’s Pieces before marching along Emmanuel Street, where it encountered a police constable and dispersed. Teachers later denied that genuine pupils had been involved.
Source: Mike Petty Archive, Cambridge Emmanuel Street Scrapbook, 5 September 1911.

24 October 1923
A correspondent protested against proposals to alter Emmanuel Street, describing it as an attractive old street whose character would be spoiled by road improvements.
Occupancy/location evidence: Reflects contemporary appreciation of the historic streetscape before redevelopment.
Source: Mike Petty Archive, Cambridge Emmanuel Street Scrapbook, 24 October 1923.

10 August 1925
During road works affecting Emmanuel Road, Emmanuel Street and Drummer Street, a correspondent complained that no street lamps had been lit, creating dangers for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
Occupancy/location evidence: Confirms Emmanuel Street formed part of a principal traffic route undergoing highway works.
Source: Mike Petty Archive, Cambridge Emmanuel Street Scrapbook, 10 August 1925.

9 November 1925
Three Cambridge undergraduates were fined for extinguishing street lamps. One lamp in Emmanuel Street was put out after one student was lifted up by the others.
Occupancy/location evidence: Confirms public street lighting in Emmanuel Street by 1925.
Source: Mike Petty Archive, Cambridge Emmanuel Street Scrapbook, 9 November 1925.

23 March 1936
Alternating-side parking was introduced in central Cambridge. A short section opposite Emmanuel Street was designated a no-parking area because traffic entering and leaving the narrow street created difficulties.
Occupancy/location evidence: Indicates Emmanuel Street remained comparatively narrow despite earlier improvement schemes.
Source: Mike Petty Archive, Cambridge Emmanuel Street Scrapbook, 23 March 1936.

1 May 1946
Cambridge City Council resumed discussions with Emmanuel College over the long-planned widening of St Andrew’s Street and Emmanuel Street after the Second World War.
Occupancy/location evidence: Confirms the post-war revival of pre-war road widening proposals affecting Emmanuel College frontage and Emmanuel Street.
Source: Mike Petty Archive, Cambridge Emmanuel Street Scrapbook, 1 May 1946.

16 July 1949
Rapid progress was reported in demolishing Coad’s former shop at the junction of Emmanuel Street and St Andrew’s Street. The clearance formed part of the long-planned road widening scheme to improve visibility and allow buses to negotiate the corner more easily. A public seat was suggested for the cleared site.
Occupancy/location evidence: Coad’s former shop occupied the corner of Emmanuel Street and St Andrew’s Street. The entire corner was cleared as part of the road improvement scheme.
Source: Mike Petty Archive, Cambridge Emmanuel Street Scrapbook, 16 July 1949.

5 May 1952
The City Council proposed opening Christ’s Lane as a through route for buses and other traffic to relieve congestion in Emmanuel Street. The plans also included concentrating local bus services at Drummer Street and improving traffic circulation through the city centre. Occupancy/location evidence: Demonstrates Emmanuel Street’s importance within Cambridge’s developing post-war traffic system.
Source: Mike Petty Archive, Cambridge Emmanuel Street Scrapbook, 5 May 1952.

23 October 1952
At the Planning Inquiry into the proposed Drummer Street bus station, the bus company argued that many passengers would approach via Emmanuel Street. Concerns were expressed that increased bus traffic might cause congestion at the Four Lamps roundabout. Occupancy/location evidence: Confirms Emmanuel Street was expected to become a principal pedestrian and bus approach to the proposed station.
Source: Mike Petty Archive, Cambridge Emmanuel Street Scrapbook, 23 October 1952.

19 July 1954
The Minister approved most of Cambridge’s central road improvement proposals, including a cross-town route linking Emmanuel Street with Downing Street. However, the proposed bus station between Christ’s College and Emmanuel College was rejected. Occupancy/location evidence: Places Emmanuel Street within the wider post-war redevelopment of Cambridge city centre.
Source: Mike Petty Archive, Cambridge Emmanuel Street Scrapbook, 19 July 1954.

20 July 1954
Planning approval was given for a new commercial development between St Andrew’s Street and Emmanuel New Court. Shops were planned at ground-floor level with offices above. The building line allowed for future widening of Emmanuel Street, and provision was to be made for car parking. Occupancy/location evidence: New commercial development adjoining Emmanuel Street.
Ground-floor shops with offices above.
Emmanuel Street widening safeguarded in the design.
Source: Mike Petty Archive, Cambridge Emmanuel Street Scrapbook, 20 July 1954.

Emmanuel College announced plans for a major redevelopment at the corner of St Andrew’s Street. The Prudential Assurance Company would lease a new block of shops and offices replacing the existing buildings. The scheme included parking facilities and required the demolition of cottages in Emmanuel Street together with the building known as Rance’s Folly, then used as University offices. Comment: This was one of the most significant commercial redevelopments in post-war Cambridge. Occupancy/location evidence: Prudential Assurance Company became the principal commercial tenant. Existing Emmanuel Street cottages were demolished. Rance’s Folly served as University offices immediately before demolition. Redevelopment occupied the corner of St Andrew’s Street and Emmanuel Street.
Source: Mike Petty Archive, Cambridge Emmanuel Street Scrapbook, 6 August 1954.