Elizabeth Way Bridge, Cambridge

History of Elizabeth Way Bridge

Proposed new bridge — 9 August 1897
Sir – Now that the Jubilee accounts have been reckoned up it seems fitting we should start afresh the matter of the new bridge. The question of a new bridge to connect Chesterton with Cambridge at the Abbey Estate is of supreme importance. The ferryman knows no rest. All the people at Old Chesterton have to be crossed over long before the omnibuses are astir. The wheels of progress anywhere in the vicinity have moved round in the past with about the same velocity as a farmer’s cart! Is this to drag on for ever? The advantage of another bridge over the now-sweetened Cam would be a great gain to both Chesterton and Cambridge in equal proportion – letter signed “Chestertonian”

Credit: Mike Petty Archive, Cambridge Chesterton Road Area Scrapbook, reference 1897 08 09

Bridge described as a necessity — 2 April 1898
Sir – the new bridge at Abbey Road Cambridge has become a supreme necessity. Everyone admits it now. Boats and plants have had their day, and should be done away with. Omnibuses of first class order are unable to carry people to most convenient places, and at low prices, for the want of another bridge to bring them into Cambridge. What enormous advantages to both Chesterton and Cambridge another bridge at this spot holds out. The great increase in traffic calls loudly for another bridge. The people near the Abbey again insisted upon another bridge but the Cambridge Rip Van Winkles sleep on, oblivious of anything. Procrastination is the great curse of Cambridge, and Chesterton should take warning by keeping abreast with the requirements of this important suburb – Chestertonian

Credit: Mike Petty Archive, Cambridge Chesterton Road Area Scrapbook, reference 1898 04 02

Another crossing of the Cam — 11 July 1899
Sir – The population of Chesterton is mainly composed of people who have been turned out of Cambridge to make way for college and other improvements, and nearly all are employed in that ancient town. Every day brings evidence of the great need of another crossing of the Cam & that Abbey Road is the place goes without saying. The De Freville Estate, are absolutely dependent upon the old punts and other obsolete marine structures for crossing over to Cambridge. . It must be conceded that a bridge over this part of the Cam is of the highest importance – “Chestertonian”

Credit: Mike Petty Archive, Cambridge Chesterton Road Area Scrapbook, reference 1899 07 11

Fatal accident renews demand for a bridge — 26 January 1905
Cambridge councillors were told of a fatal accident at Dant’s Ferry a few days prior to Christmas when the breadwinner of a family was drowned. It was only one of many; during the present winter at least five persons had tumbled into the water at that spot. There should be a bridge in the neighbourhood of Abbey Road. But Victoria Bridge was not a long way from Dant’s Ferry and before any bridges were built Chesterton would have to join Cambridge.

Credit: Mike Petty Archive, Cambridge Chesterton Road Area Scrapbook, reference 1905 01 26