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49 Ainsworth Street
A Soda Water Bottler and a Grocer's Assistant
Number 49 is one of a terrace of four houses on the west side of Ainsworth Street.
1881
William Killingsworth, 57, Labourer on GER, b. Earith, Hertfordshire
Sarah A Killingsworth, 61, b. Cambridge
Edward C Collins, 21, Sarah’s son, Soda Water Bottler, b. Chesterton Fen, Cambridgeshire
1891
Head of Household is Edward William Tebbit, a 37-year-old, grocer’s assistant who was born in Burwell. He is married to Jane (34) and they have two small children. Florence is four and at school, she was born in Ickleton, her 3-month-old baby sister is Gertrude who was born in Cambridge.
Jane’s maiden name is also Tebbit.
The family is being visited by Jane S Hopwood, aged 50.
Edward died on 13 Sep 1893, his probate record states that he was a “grocer and draper of 49 Ainsworth Street”. It is recorded in the Cambridge Independent Press of 22nd September 1893, that “The jury returned a verdict of “Accidental death”, the cause of the death being concussion of the brain consequent on a fall downstairs.”
Jane moves to Vicarage Terrace with her daughters and becomes a fruit picker.
1901
Charles Long. 33, Assurance Agent, b. Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire
Ruth L Long, 28, b. Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire
Victor C long, 2, b. Cambridge
Elsie C Long, 7 months, b. Cambridge
Amelia E Cudworth, Charles’s sister-in-law, 18, General Domestic Servant, b. Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire
1910 – 1971
“Special Constables – Sworn in at Cambridge Police Court. At the Borough Police Court on Friday morning, before the Mayor (Mr. W.P. Spalding) and other magistrates, the following special constables were sworn: George Biggs, 49 Ainsworth Street…
The Deputy Clerk: You will receive notice if your services are required.
The Mayor: I hope they never will be required.”
Cambridge Independent Press 21 October 1910
The 1911 census records that George Biggs is a 30 year old domestic coachman. He is married to Beatrice (nee Sparks)and they have three children.
George Edward is 5, Harry William is 3 and Arthur Richard is eleven months old.
DOMESTIC DIFFERENCES: A machinist, named George Argent, of 58 Ainsworth Street, was summoned for assaulting Esther Pleasants, a young married woman, of 51 Ainsworth Street on August 13th.
Complainant said defendant was her brother-in-law, and there were some domestic differences between them. On the day named defendant came to witness’ house and struck her. Witness, in answer to defendant, said she threw a piece of wood at him after he assaulted her.
George Biggs, a coachman, of 49 Ainsworth Street, spoke to witnessing the assault. He saw defendant strike the complainant a violent blow with his fist. Witness at once intervened, and prevented the defendant from hitting the woman again.
Mrs. Beatrice Biggs, wife of the last witness, corroborated.
Defendant, in the witness box, said his mother-in-law had been carrying tales between his wife and complainant. Defendant said he hit the complainant, but he had great provocation.
Rachel Argent, wife of the defendant, said that in consequence of what she said to her husband the latter went over to complainant’s house. Witness followed, and Mrs. Pleasants caught hold of her and beat her. Witness’ husband then hit Mrs. Pleasants.
The Bench said there seemed to be some feeling between the parties. Both ladies in the case should bear and forbear. However, there had been no justification for the defendant striking a woman.
Defendant, who conducted his own case in a very business-like way, was fined 5s. and £1 costs.” Cambridge Daily News 15 August 1913
In 1921 George is working as a Yardsman for the London Northwestern Railway, based out of the the Toft Siding. Son George is now 15 years old and employed as an errand boy by Winton Smith, Pork Butcher & Pie Manufacturer of Bridge Street. Harry and Arthur are school boys.
George and Beatrice now have a daughter named Margery.
By 1926 the younger George is 19 and working as a Porter for the Great Eastern Railway.
Arthur married Elsie May Parsons in 1927.
Harry married Gwendoline Gertrude Dasley in 1937, and is occupation is recorded as Shop Keeper.
On the 1939 Register George Edward is living here with his wife Saidee.
“Biggs-Barham – The twins sisters of Miss Patricia Barham were the bridesmaids at her wedding at St. Matthew’s Church, Cambridge, on Saturdau when she married Mr. Lionel Biggs, younger son of Mr. & Mrs. G.E. Biggs of 49 Ainsworth Street.” Cambridge Daily News 07 June 1971
Sources: UK census records (1881, 1891, 1901, 1911), England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966, England & Wales, FreeBMD Marriage Index: 1837-1915, Trade Union Membership Registers,
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