We continue looking into Victorian Cambridge through the eyes of Josiah Chater, a young draper’s apprentice. Read on to see what 1844 Christmas had in store for him! An observation Josiah noted down and was impressed by was the amount
Josiah Chater and the Circus
Josiah Chater started to keep his diary in October 1844 at the age of 15. He was living at the time at 12 Market Street, apprenticed to William Eaden Lilley, draper, carpet warehouseman, paper merchant and seller of painting materials.
The Miller of Cambridge -November 1804: Straitjacket and Leeches
As we uncover more of James Nutter’s life, read on to see what November had in store for him, as we look into James’ discovery and research on his friend’s Reverend Robert Hall’s illness. At the end of October 1804,
The Swindling of a Generation: The story of Ephraim Wayman
It was an email to Capturing Cambridge earlier this year that uncovered this tragic tale of greed and embezzlement. It revealed family feelings that are still raw today, looking back on the suicide of Anthony Phypers, a well-off and respected
Folklore Finds: Witch Balls
There are many eye-catching objects at the Museum of Cambridge, but surely this is one of the most beautiful. Rightfully so – a little research shows that it was specifically made to catch and hold attention! Exploring the folklore collection
The Miller of Cambridge – October 1804: The Psychotic episode of Robert Hall
St Andrew’s Church (modern acrylic painting) As we uncover more of James Nutter’s life, read on to see what October had in store for him, as we hear about religious life and managing mental health in the early 19th century.
Ghosts – Should we embrace them?
Blog by Roger Lilley, Chair of the Trustees A few months ago I hosted a ghost hunt at the museum. I just needed to be on the premises while ten enthusiasts divided into two groups to stake out some of
The Miller of Cambridge: A peek into James Nutter’s Diary – September 1804
Great Shelford Mill (acrylic 2024) As we uncover more of James Nutter’s life, read on to see what September had in store for him. September starts with James assessing the delivery of new wheat: “New wheat today – some good
A Reappraisal of James Ward’s painting “View of Cambridge from Castle Hill”: the truth behind this idealised landscape – misogyny and violence against young women in 19th century Cambridge
Article by Dr N. Henry At first glance James Ward’s painting, kept at the Museum of Cambridge, appears like a typical 19th century pastoral scene reflecting the contemporary nostalgia for a simpler lifestyle and beautiful green spaces. The scene depicting
The Miller of Cambridge: A peek into James Nutter’s Diary – August 1804
King’s and Bishop’s Mill, Mill Lane, Cambridge (acrylic painting, 2024, after an early 20th century watercolour) James Nutter (1763-1829) was the first of a number of generations of Cambridge millers in which the first born were all called James Nutter.