High Street, Cottenham: Bartingles’ House is thatched cottage on left (photo E Smith)

44 High Street, Bartingales’ House, Cottenham

History of 44 High Street

According to Cottenham in Focus (2002) p.83, Bartingales’ House, a thatched house, was typical of farmhouses built in Cottenham after the 1676 fire. There were three rooms along the street, parlour, kitchen and dairy, and two bedrooms and a cheese room above.

1928 the last family member, Miss Eliza Bartingale, was taken to Fulbourn Asylum Hospital. It was claimed that there was no money to pay for her upkeep but in the process of clearing the house for sale, £122 was found attached to the bedding, more tan enough money.

The sale of the house went ahead though so when Miss Bartingale was discharged some weeks later, there was nowhere for her to live so she went back to the hospital.

1861

John Bartingale, 43, farmer’s son, b Cottenham

Ann, 37, b Cottenham

Ann, 17, b Cottenham

John, 13, b Cottenham

Harriet, 11, b Cottenham

Eliza, 7, b Cottenham

Thomas, 4, b Cottenham

---

1911

Eliza Bartingale, 56, fruit gardening, b Cottenham

Emily Bartingale, 49, fruit gardening, b Cottenham