Burgess Road (Back Lane, Fen End) Waterbeach

History of Fe End

The 1901 OS map shows Back Lane running east from Waterbeach. The road ends short of the railway line and here the name Fen End appears.

1861 Census: The houses in Fen End are numbered from The Wesleyan Chapel and nos 2 & 1, to no. 63, The Hopbine PH.

No.33:

William Wye, 60, ag lab., b Waterbeach

Hannah, 57, b Waterbeach

Jane, 34, b Waterbeach

George, 18, ag.lab., b Waterbeach

Alfred, 8, grandson, b Waterbeach

Paula Wye emailed in 2022 with this note:

Alfred Wye left for Australia around 1882ish, and went to New Zealand. I think my Dad, Gordon Wye, provided the museum with a copy of his diary from his trip. There he reunited with Ann Denson, who at some time left for New Zealand as well. Her family frowned on their relationship – Alfred was raised by his grandparents. They were eventually married in New Zealand, then settled at Badgerys Creek near Sydney.

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1911 Census: Fen End

George Day, 52, farm labourer, b Waterbeach

Agnes, 51, b Waterbeach

Walter, 30, farm labourer, b Waterbeach

Victor, 24, farm labourer, b Waterbeach

Jack, 17, farm labourer, b Waterbeach

Doris, 15, b Waterbeach

Clifford, 12, b Waterbeach

Macneal, 9, b Waterbeach

Both Jack and Walter died on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. Jack was promoted to sergeant before the battle  and his body was found when clearing the battlefield during 1919. Clifford was killed on 13th August 1918.

https://great-war.ccan.co.uk/content/catalogue_item/day-jack-uriah-sergeantregiment-number-13652-11th-battalion-suffolk-regiment-died-1st-july-1916-waterbeach