Magdalene Street before redevelopment early 20thC

Magdalene Street

History of Magdalene Street

This view along Magdalene Street from the Castle Hill end shows the east side of the street before redevelopment by Magdalene College in the 20th century. According to 1959 Royal Commission on Historical Monuments Survey of Cambridge: Monuments (201-211) form a notable row of plastered timber-framed town houses dating from late medieval times to the 18th century and, except for later windows almost throughout, comparatively little altered structurally. It is the only frontage of its age surviving in the city of sufficient length to give any impression of the earlier street scene. The houses belong to, or are being bought by, Magdalene College mainly for further accommodation for undergraduates. The alterations are now being made (1955-7). The aspect to the street is being retained but most of the W extensions, of various dates, are being demolished, except the notable W range of Monument (205) [house no.25]

A narrow, cobbled street leads north between rows of multi-story brick buildings, with several people walking on the sidewalk.

Magdalene Street 1860s looking north with college on right (MoC164/69)(J Palmer Clarke)

Magdalene Street, 1904, before the development of east side.

Magdalene Street at dusk with pedestrians on the pavement, a car approaching, traffic lights, and seasonal decorative lights.

A newspaper clipping showing a cluster of gabled rooftops, tall brick chimneys, and enclosed courtyards in black and white.

View from Magdalene of houses to be demolished (MoCPB121.82)

A historic view of Magdalene Street showing stone buildings with steep gabled roofs and pedestrians walking on the pavement.

Magdalene Street c.1910

A street scene in Cambridge featuring pedestrians and horse-drawn carriages beside a historic building with large chimneys.

Magdalene Street c.1910 (Frith)

A 1911 ink drawing of old houses on a street corner, with a person standing in the foreground holding a walking stick.

Magdalene Street Chesterton Lane corner 1911

Pen and ink drawing of old corner buildings on Chesterton Lane, featuring a man with a walking stick and a small dog.

Magdalene Street / Chesterton Road 1912 (MoC)

The two drawings above are very slightly different!

Pedestrians walk along the sidewalk of Magdalene Street past a low stone wall, leafy trees, and traditional brick buildings.

Magdalene Street, 1969 (MoC21/160/69)

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