Eaden Lilley, Market Street, Cambridge

Historical notes on Eaden Lilley

The origins of the business on this site are claimed to go back to 1695 when Joseph Purchas, a tailor,  had a shop there.

The store was founded by David Lilley of Manor Farm, Grantchester who had married Elizabeth Eaden.

A short article about the history of the Eaden Lilley department store can be found here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eaden_Lilley

In 1811 near Green Street, a dead cat with a rat in its mouth was discovered in a cavity wall. It is thought that linseed oil seepage was responsible for the state of preservation. Lilley’s had an oil shop in the basement.

Preserved cat and rat from Eaden Lilley oil shop, 1811 (CWN1981)

Eaden Lilley 1892

25/6/1909 There was an exciting scene in Cambridge Market Street when a lady screamed “I am on fire”. Her dress was blazing furiously and the combined effect of the screams and the flames on the crowded street can easily be imagined. Fortunately Mr A. Kester tore off the burning skirt with his hands and staff from Eaden Lilley rushed out of the shop with mats and rugs in which she was rolled until the flames were extinguished. It is presumed the dress, which was of flimsy material, was ignited by a match carelessly dropped by a passer-by. (Cam.News)

Joan Robertson worked at Eaden Lilley’s for much of her life. In 2016 she recalled starting her apprenticeship in 1942

Through her work she met her husband in 1948