1901 OS map Alms Hill Bourn

Knoll Cottage, The Knolls, 131 Alms Hill, Bourn

History of Knoll Cottage

Listed Building

House, originally a farmhouse. Late C16, rebuilt c.1620 with C19 additions and alterations; the roof is modern.

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1901 Knoll Cottage

Alfred Barker, 40, living on own means, b Surrey

Emily, 34, b Yorks

Emma Lockwood, 47, housekeeper, b Suffolk

Ellen Uttridge, 19, cook, b Trumpington

Ethel Dunston, 14, housemaid, b Cambridge

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Cambridge Independent News 27th May 1904

SERIOUS FIRE AT BOURN. On Saturday afternoon a fire broke out in Mr. Barker’s house, Knoll Cottage, about 2.30. The alarm being given, a messenger was dispatched to Bourn Hall, and the engine kept there was soon brought out, and taken to the fire, under the direction of Mr. Weightman, the head gardener. In a few hours the flames were got under control, but not until nearly all the interior and the roof had been burnt. The pretty residence was occupied by Mr. Farquharson, who had rented it off Mr. Barker, the latter being in India. Much sympathy is felt for him, as he had done so much to beautify the house and grounds. The cause is said to have been the explosion of a lamp used for an incubator.

Knoll Cottage, Bourn was burnt down on Saturday afternoon. The fire broke out about 3pm and although the Bourn Hall Fire Engine under the direction of Mr Weightman was quickly got to work it was not until seven o’clock that the flames were subdued and by then most of the roof had fallen in. Mr & Mrs Barker are at present in India and their pretty residence had been sub-let to Mr Farquharson who takes a great interest in poultry. The fire is supposed to have been caused by a defective lamp used for heating an incubator. — Mike Petty, Bourn Scrapbook 1897 to 1990.