Gault brick and a hipped slate roof. That’s what defines Camden House. This early 19th-century building stands as part of the Park Terrace development. All buildings in Park Terrace were roofed by 1838. Camden House, a Grade II listed building, exudes historical charm.
Camden House presents a symmetrical front. Its two stories feature three windows. Flat brick arches top these windows. Those on the ground floor lack glazing bars. They sit within round-headed recesses. A low brick garden wall fronts the house. It features simple iron railings with vases. Original internal fittings remain.
Let’s talk about the history of Camden House. The Royal Commission Survey of Cambridge noted its construction in the second quarter of the 19th century. It resembles Park Lodge. Both are villa-type houses typical of the period.
In 1891, William H Hattersley lived here. He was 71 years old. Emma Cowles, Alice Mizen and Robert Cowen served as servants. By 1901, William H Hattersley still resided here. Martha A Cole, his cousin, lived with him. Phoebe Mizen worked as a housemaid. Clara Tassand was the cook. Robert Collen served as a man-servant. Interestingly, the Hattersley family lived at 5-6 Trinity Street in 1901.
Gilbert Woollard Hattersley lived here in 1911. Hermine Roeper, Gilbert Roeper, Amellia Crown and Flory Bonnes also lived here. Gilbert Roeper Hattersley served as an officer in the Territorial Cambridgeshire Regiment. This regiment affiliated with the Suffolk Regiment. He was a recruiting officer in 1914. He fought in the Somme campaign. Wounded, he returned to England. In April 1917, he fought in the capture of Rochincourt. Gas shells bombarded his battalion. He lost an eye and a lung.
After demobilization, Gilbert found his family firm closed. He worked for the Great Ouse Drainage Board. Later, during World War II, he joined the Ministry of Food. The family later lived in Mortimer Close. Finally, they moved to 20 Lensfield Road. Gilbert died in 1955. The Hattersley family is buried in Mill Road cemetery.
In 1913, Gilbert Woollard Hattersley lived at Camden House. Henry Walter worked as a waiter. By 1962, Henry Stephen de Grace Pritchard MRCS resided here. James Gearing also lived here.
Today, Camden House offers quiet and bright rooms for meetings. Natural light floods the Drawing Room through floor-to-ceiling sash windows. The Drawing Room overlooks a tranquil garden. This garden features neat hedges and lawns. The Meeting Room overlooks a small garden with wildflowers. Beyond lies the wide expanse of Parker’s Piece. The two rooms can be used together for meetings and refreshments. They are laid out in boardroom style.
Camden House stands as a testament to Cambridge’s architectural heritage. It has witnessed generations come and go. From the Hattersley family to its current function as a meeting space, it remains a vital part of Cambridge. Its elegant Regency style and tranquil setting make it a unique and cherished landmark.