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

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!

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

Sparked a Memory for you?

If this has sparked a memory, why not share it here?

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.
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