How about we uncover some history on Springfield Road? Residents of Springfield Road share a common interest. They want to reveal the road’s history. This website shares findings hoping others become interested. The aim is to paint a picture. It shows the road’s development from heathland to a busy city suburb.
We focus on the “top-end”. These are houses between roundabouts. One is with Poplar/Valentine/School/Cambridge Roads. The other is with Melton Road. This includes houses numbered 1-31 on the east side. It also covers 2-54 on the west side. Want to explore other sections? Please share your ideas.
When were the houses on Springfield Road built? Did someone build a housing estate in 1900? Not exactly. They evolved over time. Some date back to the 1880s. Others were added in the 1900s. The even side was renumbered in the 1920s. More houses were built at the road’s beginning. The system of 2, 2A, 4, 4A was confusing. Historical maps help show building development. We see a few villas in 1883. Then we see the familiar street layout in 1905 and 1919.
What happened to number 5 on Springfield Road? Was it still there in 1938? The National Library of Scotland offers online Ordnance Survey Maps of Great Britain.
In 1883, Gwen Raverat described a visit. Her mother visited her aunt, Caroline Jebb. The Jebbs lived at Springfield. Her uncle was Professor of Greek at Glasgow at the time. The Jebb household at Springfield is described in Period Piece.
From 1884-5, George Darwin and his new wife Maud rented the house. They looked for a house to buy. In 1891, Richard Claverhouse Jebb lived here. He was 49 and a professor of Greek. Caroline L Jebb was 43. Margaret Horne was a 33-year-old servant from Scotland. Francis Claxton was a 26-year-old servant from Norfolk. Bessie Ingles was a 17-year-old servant from Lancs. Lady Jebb lived here in 1913. In 1939, Alfred S H Walford lived here. He was an Ear Nose Throat surgeon. Phyllis I was in Red Cross training. Marjorie Loates was a cook. Violet Moule was a parlourmaid. Walford wrote a paper on laryngology. In 1962, residents included Rev Canon H W Montefiore. Also Rowland J Custerson and K G Davey PhD.
Springfield’s story is a mosaic. It is made of residents, architecture, and historical events. Each piece contributes to its unique character.