Through the medium of an absorbing collection of over 200 old photographs we have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Chesterton as it was in days gone by.
Though seen 'merely' as a suburb of Cambridge, to those who live there, Chesterton is much more. The area and the community have a character all of their own and this is brought out in every chapter by the combination of superb photographs and informative captions.
A variety of aspects of community life in Chesterton are covered, from work and leisure to the houses, churches, schools and business premises that represented the physical form of the community. Well-known names - such as Mitcham's and Pye's - are remembered, as is their influence on the community and the community's spirit.
Scenes of the past are brought vividly back to life - milk deliveries, horse buses, horse-drawn barges, and ferries remind us of a different way of life. Social activities naturally form a part of the book, many of the public houses and inns in the area are depicted as are pub and work outings. Special events, such as jubilee celebrations and victory parties, are also recalled.
All in all this volume is a must for everyone who knows Chesterton. For those who have lived there for many years it provides a nostalgic stroll down memory lane, while for newer residents it serves as an excellent means of discovering more about the community's history.
