8 Sleaford Street, Cambridge

The History of 8 Sleaford Street

Number 8 is not on the 1881 Census.  In 1891 it is numbered 17, and by 1898 it is known as “No. 2 Gladstone Terrace”.  By 1901 it has the modern numbering of “Number 8 Sleaford Street”.

1891 (number 17 – Gladstone Terrace)

In 1891, 8 Sleaford Street is home to the Black family. Ellen Black, aged 40, is married to Richard Black, aged 39, working as a Railway Porter. They have three children, Alice, aged 21, a laundress; Priscilla, aged 13, a scholar; and Helen, aged 2.

1901 (number 8)

By 1901, Ellen, now 48, remains living with her husband Richard, now 46, and now working as a Horse Shunter in the railway yards at Cambridge station. Alice and Helen have since left home, though Priscilla, now 21, works a Laundry Maid, and lives with Cyril Black, aged 1, who is listed as Ellen’s son; though could have been Priscilla’s son based on the age gap.

1911

By 1911, 8 Sleaford Street is now home to the Harris family. Florence Harris, aged 25, from Cherry Hinton, is married to Alfred Harris, a 28 year old Cab Driver. They have 3 children: Ronald, aged 5; Elsie May, aged 1; and newborn Leonard.

Sources: 1881, 1891, 1901 and 1911 UK Census, 1888 OS Town Plan of Cambridge, 1901 revised map of Cambridge,

1913

Alfred V Harris, cab driver