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The story of Balsham was launched at The Black Bull pub in October 2017 and two of our team share what happened to them since the publication. Has it changed your perception of where you live? Where you grew up? Did you find long lost family? Solved a puzzle on a branch of your family tree?
We are thrilled to share two new updates with you, that will create a visual legacy in Cambridgeshire thanks to this map project and from the sales of our book, Balsham, a village story, 1617-2017.
A lot has been going on both before and since ‘lockdown.’ It has been said many times how lucky we are to live in the countryside and be able to enjoy the benefits especially during the strange times we are presently experiencing. As well as the changing seasons, there are continuous changes within the village and the map of 2017 has changed as well.
Previous generations relied on other means for communication. Letters carried by horse and man were used for many centuries. The introduction of the Penny Post in the 1840s established a country-wide method of safe communication available to all. Balsham had a post office to allow mail to be sent and collected but history is uncertain where this was located at that time. Do you know?
‘The development will comprise 28 detached houses of 3 different designs in Georgian style. Each house will have 4 bedrooms, 2 reception rooms, a kitchen with probably the finest units available, a bathroom, 2 toilets and a garage. The larger type of house ... will have a double garage and a screened hard-standing area for a caravan or a boat,’ declares Drivers estate agents in 1969.
We’ve been asked several times if we would arrange a history walk round the village. We’re delighted to report that we’ve done just that!
Our talented team are often asked to talk at events. Many local history group have asked about how we produced the book and how the map technology works and we do love to talk all things book and map! Read more about a recent talk..
In our book Balsham, a village story 1617-2017, we described some of the place names of Balsham and where our research showed an origin. We’d love to know if you have stories to tell us about the name of a place you know in the village, perhaps a house or landmark? Get in touch by email by clicking here.
As you cross the busy A11 and head to Balsham, the first building you will see in the parish is Dotterel Farm and the cottages balanced on the hill before the road sweeps onwards but is it one '‘l’ or two (as the new development seems to be called)? We’ve got the answer!
In Balsham a village story 1617-2017 we wrote about the pubs of Balsham, of which there were many! One of them was the Fox. Susan Plumb, a widow was licensee in 1904 and we’ve found the beautiful photo of her… read on to find out more!
Have you noticed the clock on the house by the entrance of Trinity Close? If you’ve wondered why it’s there, then wonder no more! Jan Ellam explains more about this fascinating house.
If you’re on Facebook, do follow us and send a photo of you with your book, we’d love to know your favourite parts and about your connection to the village.
Plough Monday is the first Monday after Epiphany (January 6 or ‘twelfth night’ as it is also known) and celebration seems to have covered much of the eastern half of the country, particularly in small rural villages.
If you’re heading out for a festive drink at The Bell or the Black Bull, keep in mind the epic pub crawl you could have undertaken in the 1900s… and the hangover!
The core values of the GFS aimed at high moral standards for its members; they attempted to supply ‘for every working girl of unblemished character a friend in a class above her own’.
How did the Great War affect Balsham? Dick Paden wrote this moving article for our book which we have published here in memory of those who were lost.
For a limited time we have reduced the price of printed edition of Balsham, a village story 1617-2017. It’s the perfect time to get a copy from either our website or the Old Butchers or The Post Office in Balsham for just £10 saving you £5.
Saturday 7th July is Balsham Feast Day.. The Feast is being held on the Recreation Ground, situated just off Church Lane starting from 1 pm until 4.30pm. You will find us near the Haverhill Band and the Balsham Ploughmen …
Here’s a extra clue! He was reputedly the richest commoner in England when he died in 1611.
What are your memories of the Institute? Do you have any photos of the building through the years? Do share them with us on social media, comment here. We'd love to hear them at our Talk, Tea and Cakes on 27th May too.
Many residents and visitors have walked down Woodhall Lane, either to get to Scout Hut, their allotment or walk a dog. You'll probably have looked at Park House and wished you lived there!
We'd love to hear about your stories and share them with the world via this website. We're aiming to build up a library of content about Balsham to inspire future generations to record their own history. We can only do that with your help.
Would you have chosen a different cover? What image from the book do you think would make a great cover? Why not let us know at our Talks, Tea and Cake event on May 27th from 2-5pm in Balsham? Join us for a cuppa and quiz the team on how to make a book - Berenice, our award-winning designer and 'book coach' will be there to answer your questions publishing a book. You can find out about maps from Dr. Seppe Cassettari and buy a copy of Balsham, a village story 1617 - 2017. The team would also love to hear memories from current and former residents. All are warmly welcome whether you are a resident or not.
We’ve had a few emails since Balsham a village story 1617 to 2017 was published about family history and genealogy. We do not offer a research service but you may find answers to family mysteries in the book as we cover a few families and mention many names. Here’s some advice on how to get started if you want to research your family.