16 Green Street, Cambridge

16 Green Street

History of 16 Green Street

1841

James Smith, 20, cabinet maker

1851

John P Gray, 27, bookbinder, b Cambridge

1861

William Cowper, 33, boot maker employing 1 man and 1 boy, b Northants

1913

Matthew and Son, bakehouse

1962

Trinity College Hostel

1982

1982 07 28

More than 100 years of bookbinding comes to an end when the old-established firm of John P. Gray closes its Green Street premises. The firm was begun in 1847; it established a high reputation for the restoration and repair of ancient books and carried out special commissions for leading private collectors. Planning permission has been obtained to turn the site into a restaurant and wine bar. 82 07 28a

Credit: Mike Petty, Cambridge Green Street Scrapbook.

1983 09 29

Gray’s, the bookbinders of Green Street, has been sold—the latest of a long line of small Cambridge specialist shops which are rapidly disappearing. Victims in recent years have included Bacon Brothers, cigar merchants; S. P. Ora, tobacconists; Gallyon, gun and fishing-tackle dealers; F. O. Sennitt, fish, game and poultry merchants; and Jack Carter, University robes. They are forced out by the three Rs—rent, rates and recession. As the family shops close, with them goes part of Cambridge’s inheritance, atmosphere and charm. 83 09 29 p16

Credit: Mike Petty, Cambridge Green Street Scrapbook.

2018

Harriet’s Cafe