A local history and genealogy page for the Parish of Wimpole.
The War Memorial and Cambridge Road, Arrington Bridge c1922.
Wimpole Lodge (Agent's House) is on the right. [Image kindly donated by Brenda and Michael Skinner (2002)]
The 1881 Census for Wimpole, Cambridgeshire.
Reference: Ref. RG11/1656 (with acknowledgement to the
Public Record Office).
Date of Census:3 April 1881.
There is a national Census every ten years when
the year ends in a one. This page details the population of the Parish
of Wimpole on the night of 3 April 1881 (the list includes children and visitors
from outside the parish in temporary residence within Wimpole on the night
of the census).
The population of the Parish of Wimpole on the night of the 1881 Census was: 355.
My thanks and acknowledgements to the 'census team' who provided the documentation and who typed and checked the various page transcripts back in 2002/2003. Particular thanks to Mike Giddings, Susan Giddings, Alexandra Morton and John Parkins for all their help, assistance and encouragement. Any errors are probably mine.
Columns (left to right):
1. Name.
2. Relation to Head of Household.
3. Married, Widow, Widowed or Unmarried (18 years and
over).
4. Age.
5. Occupation.
6. Place of Birth.
The cottage numbers shown below were those used in 1881 and do not relate to postal addresses today. I have provided the modern postal address if known.
[Information, notes and comments additional to the 1881 Census are generally shown italicised within square brackets]
I would be pleased to hear from you if you can offer any additional genealogical or family information relevant to this page, especially if you possess old photographs that could be added to this site for those who follow. Please use the site's Contact Page in the first instance.
[1] The 1881 Wimpole Census is fully rebuilt as are the three 'New Orwell' pages.
[2] Following a parish boundary change in April 1999, much of the area of Orwell on the Cambridge Road, previously known as 'New Orwell', is now part of the modern-day Parish of Wimpole. [3] These pages are being rebuilt after their transfer to the new website. The basic listings remain available for reference during the rebuilding.
The 1881 Census leaves the village of New Wimpole and here follows the A603 to Arrington Bridge. The A603 was an important Roman Road that ran from Ermine Street (the A1198, previously the Great North Road coaching route from London to York) to the settlement at Durolipons (Cambridge), where it crossed the Roman road known as the Via Devana.
Cambridge Road Farm, off Cambridge Road(Schedule 4) [1]
William HAGGER
Head
M
75
Farmer 176 Acres (4 Men and 3 Boys)
Bourn, Cambridgeshire
Ann HAGGER
Daughter
U
41
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Edward HAGGER
Grand-son
17
Horse Keeper
(Ag Lab)
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Arthur HAGGER
Grand-son
12
Scholar
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Sarah Ann HAGGER
Grand-
daughter
14
Servant (General)
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
[1] The enumerator listed this entry out of order as Schedule 4. I have relocated the listing here reflecting the more appropriate geographical position.
Hoback Farm, off Cambridge Road(Schedule 30)
James WAGSTAFF
Head
M
29
Horse keeper (Agricultural Labourer)
Arrington, Cambridgeshire
Caroline WAGSTAFF
Wife
M
37
Orwell, Cambridgeshire
Ellen WAGSTAFF
Daughter
14
Longstowe, Cambridgeshire
Elizabeth WAGSTAFF
Daughter
12
Scholar
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Alberta WAGSTAFF
Daughter
8
Scholar
Caxton, Cambridgeshire
Emily WAGSTAFF
Daughter
4
Scholar
Caxton, Cambridgeshire
James WAGSTAFF
Son
2
Croydon, Cambridgeshire
River Cam Farm, off Cambridge Road(Schedule 31)
William GENTLE
Head
M
61
Farmer's Foreman over 350 Acres. Employing
14 Men & Boys, Bailiff
Ashwell, Hertfordshire
Mary GENTLE
Wife
M
50
Arrington, Cambridgeshire
William TAYLOR
Nephew
M
25
(No Occupation)
Watlington, Norfolk
Rachel TAYLOR
Nephew's
Wife
M
23
Luton, Bedfordshire
Arthur TAYLOR
Nephew
10
Scholar
Watlington, Norfolk
James BAKER
Lodger
W
50
Shepherd
Bourn, Cambridgeshire
No 28 Cottage, Cambridge Road(Schedule 32) [1][2][3]
James SKINNER
Head
M
42
Agricultural Labourer
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Ann SKINNER
Wife
M
45
Willingham, Cambridgeshire
Charles SKINNER
Son
U
21
Groom
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
William SKINNER
Son
18
Agricultural Labourer
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Arthur SKINNER
Son
13
Agricultural Labourer
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
[1] This group of two old cottages set below the level of the modern Cambridge Road, were long known as "Skinner's Hollow". They are believed to be 200-250 years old.
[2] In 1933, this property was described in an auction document as a "'Desirable Plaster and Brick and Tiled Semi-Detached Cottage', with
side garden, extending to 32 poles, containing two bedrooms, sitting room, kitchen, outside coal shed and external earth closet. Water is from a well on the other side of the road on land not belonging. Tenant is Mr D Bullen. Annual rent 2 Pounds and 7 Shillings."
[3] The modern postal address is 88 Cambridge Road, Wimpole.
[1] This group of two old cottages set below the level of the modern Cambridge Road, were long known as "Skinner's Hollow", then "The Hollow". They are believed to be between 200-250 years old.
[2] In 1933, this property was described in an auction document as a "'Desirable Plaster and Brick and Tiled Semi-Detached Cottage', with
side garden, extending to 23 poles, containing two bedrooms, sitting room, kitchen, outside coal shed and external earth closet. Water is from a well on the other side of the road on land not belonging. Tenant is Mr G Bullen. Annual rent 3 Pounds and 7 Shillings."
[3] 'Fossil' as in 'Coprolite'. Coprolite mining first came to the Cambridgeshire region during the 1850s. It was an industry unique to England and consisted of digging up fossilised dinosaur excrement to be used as fertiliser for agricultural purposes.
[4] The modern postal address is =90 Cambridge Road, Wimpole.
[1] This group of two old cottages set below the level of the modern Cambridge Road, were long known as "Skinner's Hollow", then "The Hollow". They are believed to be between 200-250 years old.
[2] In 1933, this property was described in an auction document as a "'Desirable Plaster and Brick and Tiled Semi-Detached Cottage', with
side garden, extending to 23 poles, containing two bedrooms, sitting room, kitchen, outside coal shed and external earth closet. Water is from a well on the other side of the road on land not belonging. Tenant is Mr G Bullen. Annual rent 3 Pounds and 7 Shillings."
[3] The modern postal address is =90 Cambridge Road, Wimpole.
No 30 Cottage, Cambridge Road(Schedule 35) [1][2]
"The Avenue" or "The View"
William WHETSTONE
Head
M
74
Bricklayer Clerk Constable
Orwell, Cambridgeshire
Mary WHETSTONE
Wife
M
73
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
William WHETSTONE
Son
U
48
Bricklayer
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
John WHETSTONE [3]
Son
U
33
Fossil Digger
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Mary Ann WHETSTONE
Grand Daughter
11
Scholar
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
[1] This cottage believed to be one of two alongside the South Avenue [the "View"] was located on the north side of Cambridge Road, It was demolished around 1988 to make way for the new section of the A603 leading to the new roundabout. A new bungalow was built in approximately the same spot now on the south side of the new Cambridge Road (on the junction) with the modern postal address of 106 Cambridge Road, Wimpole. [2] In 1933, the one original property left on this site was described in an auction document as "'A Small but Desirable Detached Bungalow Cottage', erected of brick and plaster with thatched roof and with garden on the opposite side of the road, it extends to about 1r 13p. It contains two bedrooms, kitchen and living room. Water from well. Tenant is Mr A F W Gadsby, producing £3 [rent] per annum." [3] 'Fossil' as in 'Coprolite'. Coprolite mining first came to the Cambridgeshire region during the 1850s. It was an industry unique to England and consisted of digging up fossilised dinosaur excrement to be used as fertiliser for agricultural purposes.
Here the 1881 Census becomes a little problematical. It appears I have more families than I have cottages. Checking against the 1871, 1891 and 1901 censuses, I think I have a speculative fit.
I have a known finish point (Schedule No 47 - the Agent's House below) and a known start point (Schedule 35 - Cottage No 30 above) confirmed alongside the Avenue [the "View"]. There are five old known cottages that exist today on Cambridge Road to play with plus an unidentifiable and unnumbered huddle of buildings on an old map situated next to the Agent's House, all of which is long gone. Please accept that for the moment that the modern addresses offered from this point become a little speculative. I will explain my reasoning as I go along, if only to keep my head clear!
Once I have everything sorted I will remove these notes.
Cottage:
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
Schedule:
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
1871:
Goats
J
Cooper
C
Bullen
D
Reed
J
Goats
T
Darlow W
Rumbold P
Dellar
W
Dellar
J
Long
E
Whitby
W
Bullen B
1881:
Goats
J
Cooper
C
Bullen D
Reed
J
Goats
T
Rumbold P
Long D
Carter
A
Long
E
Whitby
S
Bullen B
1891:
Johnson
M
Cooper
C
Cooper
C
Reed
A
Reed
A
Litchfield
A J
Long D
Rumbold J
Bullen D
Bullen B
Bullen B
1901:
Johnson
M
Cooper
C
?
Reed
A
?
?
Long D
Rumbold J
Bullen D
Robins
C
Robins
C
[Note] A highlighted background indicates continuity of occupation.
(A) The 1891 census lists two cottages (No 30 and 31) alongside the South Avenue that leads down from Wimpole Hall. 'Wimpole As I Knew It' includes "Tight up against the 'View' lived the Whitby family, pronounced Whidby. Over against them, across the road, lived Whetstone ('Drybrick') the Parish Clerk, a bricklayer." A later map appears to show two buildings alongside each other facing Cambridge Road. So No 31 Cottage listed immediately below is being put down as the second "Avenue" cottage.
No 31 Cottage, Cambridge Road (Schedule 36) [1][2]
"The Avenue" or "The View"
John GOATS
Head
M
43
Agricultural Labourer
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Harriet GOATS
Wife
M
36
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Eliza Ann GOATS
Daughter
12
Scholar
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Lucy Jane GOATS
Daughter
9
Scholar
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Ann Elizabeth GOATS
Daughter
3
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Martha GOATS
Daughter
1
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
[1] This cottage believed to be one of two alongside the South Avenue [the "View"] was located on the north side of Cambridge Road, It was demolished around 1988 to make way for the new section of the A603 leading to the new roundabout. A new bungalow was built in approximately the same spot now on the south side of the new Cambridge Road (on the junction) with the modern postal address of 106 Cambridge Road, Wimpole. [2] In 1933, the one original property left on this site was described in an auction document as "'A Small but Desirable Detached Bungalow Cottage', erected of brick and plaster with thatched roof and with garden on the opposite side of the road, it extends to about 1r 13p. It contains two bedrooms, kitchen and living room. Water from well. Tenant is Mr A F W Gadsby, producing £3 [rent] per annum."
(B) The next building of the period is the first along the old section of Cambridge Road, originally a semi-detached cottage (now extended with modern postal numbers 121 and 123). The 1891 census appears to show that each side of the 'semi' was numbered as two cottages. No 32 and 33 to the left and Nos 34 and 35 to the right. I don't know how the cottages were divided up internally but that takes care (for now) of the next four families:
No 32 Cottage, Cambridge Road(Schedule 37) [1]
Arrington Bridge
Charles COOPER
Head
W
45
Farm Labourer
Arrington, Cambridgeshire
Grace COOPER
Daughter
16
Housekeeper
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Willie COOPER
Son
14
Agricultural Labourer
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Charles COOPER
Son
12
Agricultural Labourer
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Catherine May COOPER
Daughter
8
Scholar
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Eliza COOPER
Daughter
6
Scholar
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Tommy COOPER
Son
4
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
[1] This semi-detached cottage is located on the old length of Cambridge Road 'bypassed' in 1988 by the new road and roundabout. The modern postal address is =121 Cambridge Road, Wimpole.
No 33 Cottage, Cambridge Road(Schedule 38) [1]
Arrington Bridge
David BULLEN
Head
M
48
Agricultural Labourer
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Emma BULLEN
Wife
M
37
Whaddon, Cambridgeshire
David BULLEN
Son
14
Agricultural Labourer
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Henry BULLEN
Son
12
Agricultural Labourer
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
George BULLEN
Son
8
Scholar
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Emma BULLEN
Daughter
8
Scholar
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Susan BULLEN
Daughter
4
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
[1] This semi-detached cottage is located on the old length of Cambridge Road 'bypassed' in 1988 by the new road and roundabout. The modern postal address is =121 Cambridge Road, Wimpole.
No 34 Cottage, Cambridge Road(Schedule 39) [1]
Arrington Bridge
James REED
Head
M
54
Farm Labourer
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Ann REED
Wife
M
53
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Jane REED
Daughter
U
20
Dressmaker
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
William REED
Son
13
Farm Labourer
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Sarah REED
Daughter
11
Scholar
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
[1] This semi-detached cottage is located on the old length of Cambridge Road 'bypassed' in 1988 by the new road and roundabout. The modern postal address is =123 Cambridge Road, Wimpole.
No 35 Cottage, Cambridge Road(Schedule 40) [1]
Arrington Bridge
Thomas GOATS
Head
M
58
Gardener
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Hannah GOATS
Wife
M
62
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
[1] This semi-detached cottage is located on the old length of Cambridge Road 'bypassed' in 1988 by the new road and roundabout. The modern postal address is =123 Cambridge Road, Wimpole.
(C) If the above assumptions for families and cottages are correct, then the next three entries should be straight forward as all relate to existing buildings. But it doesn't appear to be that simple. I have six cottages/familes and only three cottages to fit them in.
No 36 Cottage, Cambridge Road(Schedule 41) [1]
Arrington Bridge
Philip RUMBOLD
Head
M
38
Fossil Digger
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Martha RUMBOLD
Wife
M
30
Stukeley, Huntingdonshire
Philip RUMBOLD
Son
11
Scholar
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Ellen RUMBOLD
Daughter
8
Scholar
Wendy, Cambridgeshire
John RUMBOLD
Son
5
Scholar
Wendy, Cambridgeshire
Elizabeth RUMBOLD
Daughter
1
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
[1] This detached cottage is located on the old length of Cambridge Road 'bypassed' in 1988 by the new road and roundabout. The modern postal address is 133 Cambridge Road, Wimpole. [2] This is thought to be the 'chocolate box' thatched cottage set back a little from Cambridge Road.
[3] In 1933, this property was described in an auction document as "'A Most Attractive Detached, Brick, Stone and Thatched Cottage' with gardens extending to about 1r 12p. It contains two bedrooms, kitchen, sitting room, scullery and pantry. Water from bore hole on roadsite opposite. Outside barn, wash house with copper. Tenant is Mr A Bird, producing £3 14s 6d [rent] per annum."
No 37 Cottage, Cambridge Road(Schedule 42) [1][2][3]
Arrington Bridge
David LONG
Head
M
26
Fossil Digger
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Fanny LONG
Wife
M
25
Somersham, Huntingdonshire
[1] This semi-detached cottage is located on the old length of Cambridge Road 'bypassed' in 1988 by the new road and roundabout. The modern postal address is 135 Cambridge Road, Wimpole.
[2]
The cottage can be identified in the photograph at the head of this page. It is the large cottage with the tree showing behind. This entry relates to the cottage to the left.
[3] In 1933, this property was described in an auction document as "'The Adjoing Commodious Cottage' erected of brick with thatched roof with rear yard and laundry, with side and away gardens (along and other side of the road] extending in all to about 2r 30p. It is erected of brick with thatched roof and contains two bedrooms, sitting room, kitchen and pantry, and one downstairs bed room. Outside coal shed, wash house and earth closet. Water from bore hole on roadsite opposite. Tenant is Mr F Wilkins, producing £3 10s 0d [rent] per annum."
No 38 Cottage, Cambridge Road(Schedule 43) [1][2][3]
Arrington Bridge
Allen CARTER
Head
M
26
Groom (ND)
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Mary Ann CARTER
Wife
M
25
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Hy. Wm. Arthur CARTER
Son
2
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
[1] This semi-detached cottage is located on the old length of Cambridge Road 'bypassed' in 1988 by the new road and roundabout. The modern postal address is 137 Cambridge Road, Wimpole.
[2]
The cottage can be identified in the photograph at the head of this page. It is the large cottage with the tree showing behind. This entry relates to the cottage to the right.
[3] In 1933, this property was described in an auction document as "'An Attractive Semi-detached, Cottage' near Wimpole Lodge with away garden [the other side of the road] extending in all to about 30 poles. It is erected of brick with thatched roof and contains two bedrooms, sitting room, kitchen and pantry, and one downstairs bed room. Outside coal shed, wash house and earth closet. Water from bore hole on roadsite opposite. Tenant is Mr R Hurst, producing £3 10s 0d [rent] per annum."
(D) If the above three assumptions for families and cottages are correct (big if), then the following three families still need a home. So for now I will just list them as per the census without a location or annotations.
No 39 Cottage, Cambridge Road(Schedule 44)
Arrington Bridge
Elizabeth LONG
Head
W
68
Former Laundress
Bassingbourn, Cambridgeshire
George LONG
Son
M
31
Agricultural Labourer
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Emma HURST
Grand-daughter
M
25
Laundress
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
William HURST
Great-grand-son
8
Scholar
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Ada HURST
Great-grand-daughter
2
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
No 40 Cottage, Cambridge Road(Schedule 45)
Arrington Bridge
Sam[uel] WHITBY
Head
M
60
Agricultural Labourer
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Lydia WHITBY
Wife
M
57
Whaddon, Cambridgeshire
Mary Ann WHITBY
Daughter
U
22
None
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Emily WHITBY
Daughter
12
Scholar
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Harry WHITBY
Son
9
Scholar
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
John WHITBY
Brother
U
48
Agricultural Labourer
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
No 41 Cottage, Cambridge Road(Schedule 46)
Arrington Bridge
Ben BULLEN
Head
M
43
Agricultural Labourer
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Hannah BULLEN
Wife
M
45
Arrington, Cambridgeshire
Edward BULLEN
Son
15
Agricultural Labourer
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Ada BULLEN
Daughter
15
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Philip BULLEN
Son
12
Agricultural Labourer
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Ernest BULLEN
Son
8
Scholar
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Charles BULLEN
Son
5
Scholar
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Agent's House, Cambridge Road, Arrington Bridge(Schedule 47) [1][2][3]
Also known as Wimpole Lodge
George Henry WICKES [4]
Head
M
62
Land Agent
Dover, Kent
Jeannette WICKES[5]
Wife
M
61
Comberton, Cambridgeshire
Elizabeth Mary WICKES [6]
Daughter
U
23
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Mary Ann WICKES [6]
Daughter
17
Wimpole, Cambridgeshire
Alice ISON
Servant
17
General Domestic Servant
Bottisham, Cambridgeshire
[1] See the 1922 photograph at the head of this page.
[2] Historically, this house was the accommodation for the Steward to Lord Hardwicke or (later) the Land Agent acting for the Wimpole Estate.
[3] This large house is located on the old length of Cambridge Road that was 'bypassed' in 1988 by a new road and roundabout. At the time of the 1881 census, the house was situated at the junction between two important roman roads - Ermine Street (A1198) and Akeman Street (the A603). The junction was closed to traffic in 1988. The modern postal address is Wimpole Lodge, 141 Cambridge Road, Wimpole.
[4] PR: George Henry Wickes,
born Dover 10 March 1819, married Jeanette Whittet at Comberton 12 March 1845, died Cambridge 12 March 1883 aged 64.
[5] PR: Jeanette Whittet, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth of Comberton [twin to Martha], born 10 February 1821, baptised 19 February 1821 [non-conformist]
as Jennet Whittet at Great Eversden, married George Henry Wickes at Comberton 12 March 1845.
[6]
PR: [Not present] son George Wickes, born Morebath, Devon 1849, daughter Elizabeth Mary baptised Wimpole 16 November 1856, [Not present] son William Henry baptised Wimpole 25 September 1859, daughter Mary Ann baptised Wimpole 12 August 1863.
The 1881 Census continues at Part Three (Wimpole Estate)
[1] The 1881 Wimpole Census is fully rebuilt as are the three 'New Orwell' pages.
[2] Following a parish boundary change in April 1999, much of the area of Orwell on the Cambridge Road, previously known as 'New Orwell', is now part of the modern-day Parish of Wimpole. [3] These pages are being rebuilt after their transfer to the new website. The basic listings remain available for reference during the rebuilding.
[1] Completed pages.
[2] Following a parish boundary change in April 1999, much of the area of Orwell on the Cambridge Road, previously known as 'New Orwell', is now part of the modern-day Parish of Wimpole. [3] These pages are being rebuilt after their transfer to the new website. The basic listings remain available for reference during the rebuilding.
[1] The 1881 Arrington Census is fully rebuilt. [2] The two 1891 pages are being rebuilt after their transfer to the new website. The basic listings will remain available for reference during the rebuilding.
Samuel Horsfield (right) with Boy Pupils, Wimpole Village School, c1900 [Image kindly donated by Keith Bullen]
Brick Makers, New Wimpole Brick Works, c1905 [Image kindly donated by Neal Horsfield]
