39 Kingston Street, Cambridge

A railway fireman & a railway engine driver

1881

Fanny Parmenter, a 34 year old from Great Stukeley in Huntingdonshire lives here with her husband Edward, a 24 year old railway fireman from Great Cornard in Suffolk.  The couple have a one year old daughter called Selina.  They are being visited by Ellen Parmenter, aged 11.  She was born in Great Cornard, so is likely to be Edward’s little sister.

1891

In 1891, 39 Kingston Street is home to Alfred Cave, a 52 year old Railway Engine Driver, married to 47 year old Charlotte Cave from Middlesex. They have 4 children: Martha, aged 22, working as a dressmaker; William, aged 13; Elizabeth, aged 12, and James, aged 8, who are all in school.

1901

By 1901, Charlotte Cave has sadly passed away, leaving Alfred a Widower. Now 62, he continues his work as a Railway Engine Driver. Martha and William have since left home, though Elizabeth, now aged 21, and James, now aged 18, and working as a Boiler Maker’s assistant, are both still living with their father.

1911

By 1911, Alfred Cave, now aged 72, has retired from his job, and only James remains living here alongside him, now aged 28, working as a Boiler Smith on the Great Eastern Railway.

Sources: 1881, 1891, 1901, 1911 UK Census