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An Historical Photographic Archive of National Importance

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  4. Waterbeach, The River Cam, Clayhithe c.1955

Waterbeach, The River Cam, Clayhithe c.1955
Photo ref: W509003
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Photo ref: W509003
Photo of Waterbeach, The River Cam, Clayhithe c.1955
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More about this scene

The name of the town does not refer to any beach, but comes from the Old English word 'beck', meaning 'stream'. Clayhithe was the harbour of Waterbeach; the word 'hythe' means 'landing-place'. By the time of this photograph, the former harbour has been given over to leisure activities. In the 17th century many people thought that the river Cam would dry up as a result of Vermuyden's drainage scheme; Cambridge university and the town both protested against the building of the Denver Sluice!

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A Selection of Memories from Waterbeach

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our website to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was, prompted by the photographs in our archive. Here are some from Waterbeach

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Waterbeach Primary
I was a barracks baby, lived in Park Crescent when the barracks were RAF and then Whitby Road? When transferred to the army. I've lived in some wonderful places but nowhere moulded me like Waterbeach. I attended Waterbeach primary school until I was 10. Then sadly left all my friends behind. I remember more than anyone our headteacher Miss Hatley who loved, believed and nurtured the children in her care. 💔 I was truly blessed to know her.
Living in Waterbeach as a child after the War
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Added 15 August 2021

Living In Waterbeach As A Child After The War
My parents took over The Chocolate Box, a little general store which sold mostly sweets in 1946. I lived there in the old thatched cottage and the attached house, which was called the new house, as it was only two hundred years old (which also included the shop). I always thought the house we lived in was haunted, and my dad, Russell Oddy, thought so too. In fact, he used to swear ...see more
Waterbeach, High Street c1955
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Added 15 February 2013

More about Image Optimisation

All our photos are printed as optimised versions of their originals, this process can take anything from 15 minutes to several hours. This ensures that the product you get shows the true quality that Frith photos are renowned for.

Example of image retouching:

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Genealogy & Research Images

Despite over 20 years’ work on the archive, these scans have still not been individually checked and may prove to be damaged, faded, or not of sufficient quality to ever be offered in our full product range. However, if you would particularly like to buy one of these please get in touch quoting the Frith negative number,(s) the town name and size of print you would like to buy. On receipt of your enquiry our archivist will check the scan and advise you if the quality is good enough.

What is an Album?

An album is a way to save a selection of Frith photos, maps and memories that are of interest to you.

Creating an Album enables you to make short lists and then make a final selection from the album. In particular it makes ordering things like calendars much easier - simply create an Album of the 12 photos you like and then use the Album when placng your order - our order process will give you this option.

You can create as many Albums as you want, so perhaps make one for your hometown, where you live now, where your parents live now etc.