Laburnum Cottages, 3, 5, 7, Coton Road, Grantchester

History of Laburnum Cottages

In 1915 this was the home of Hilda May Chapman and her parents, George and Rhoda. Hilda married Charles Hubbard on 8 May 1915. He was killed in action 1st July 1916.

After being widowed, Hilda moved to Thetford. After the war she worked as a District Nurse in Girton. She settled in Barrington and became District Nurse for Foxton, Orwell and Barrington until the 1940s.

(See World War 1, Francis Burkitt)

1891 (in the street)

George Chapman, 24, agricultural labourer

Rhoda, 24,

Hilda May, 3 months

1901 no address

Albert G Chapman, 34, groom,

Rhoda, 34,

Hilda M, 10,

Nora A, 6,

Rose Mead, boarder, 9, b Not Known

1911

George Chapman, 45, groom, b Grantchester

Rhoda, 45, b Heydon

Hilda, 20, b Grantchester

Nora, 16, at home school teaching, b Grantchester

Private James Upchurch, Grantchester

1913

James Upchurch married Mary Boughen and moved into 1 Laburnum Cottages. Mary was from Downham Market and was in service with the Holben family at Manor Farm.

James’s father had been stockman for Mr Gardner at Lacies Farm. The family had lived in Grant Cottages, Coton Road, Grantchester. After his death his widow moved to a cottage in Symonds Lane.

At the outbreak of WWI James was called up into the 12th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment. James was in action in November 1917 during the Battle of Cambrai. He was killed during the withdrawal from Bourlon Wood on 24th November.