4 Kingston Street, Cambridge

The Family of a Railway Engine Fitter

1881

In 1881 Joseph and Sarah Burling live at number 4.  Joseph is 33 and a boiler maker’s labourer from Waterbeach.  Wife Sarah is 29 and from Longstanton.  The couple have three young children: William is 7, Minnie is 4 and Arthur is 3.  There are two lodgers living with the family: Josiah Clayden is a engine cleaner and Albert Scott is an engine fitter.  Both young men are from Essex.

1891

Joseph Burling and his family are still living at number 4.  He is now 43 and a Railway Engine Fitter, Sarah is now 33. The eldest children are all working:  William Burling, a 17 year old Railway Parcels Worker; Minnie Burling, a 14 year old Dressmaker; her younger brother Arthur, a 13 year old working as a Grocer’s Errand Boy; and there is now a younger sister named Bertha.  She is an 8 year old who is in education.

1901

By 1901, Number 4 is now the home of Arthur and Florence Pettet, a married couple from Bottisham, both aged 24. Arthur works as a carpenter.

1911

By 1911, Number 4 is home to the Norton family. Elizabeth Norton, aged 48, from West Wratting, is married to 58 year old James Norton, a College servant from Stansted. They have six children: Charles, aged 20, working as an Apprentice to a Printing Press Moulder; Elizabeth, aged 17; Ethel, aged 15; Edith, aged 13; Florence, aged 10; and James, aged 8. Edith, Florence and James are all at school.