Huntingdon had the good fortune to number amongst its mayors Ernest Whitney, a photographer who not only recorded events nand scenes of his own lifetime, but also appreciated and presevered much of the who of the two photographers who preceded him in the town.
In the 1970s Ernest retired to New Zealand, but not before David Cozens had helped him to organise and catalogue a large collection of photographic images produced since the mid-19th century. This highly pictorial account of the history of Huntingdon draws most of its pictures from that collection, each carefully selected to illustrate some aspect of the town's life.
The ancient county town of Huntingdon developed where the Roman Ermine Street crossed the Great Ouse. From the days of the marching legions until recently when it was largely pedestrianised and bypassed, the High Street was part of a national highway carrying motor lorries and other traffic. The river, too, was a highway to and from the coast, as well as powering mills and providing recreation for the townsfolk. Also recorded were commercial activities in agriculture, milling, brewing, vegetable processing, metal working and the manufacturer of carriages, cars and aircraft.
Huntingdon has long has associations with aviation - by 1910 Portholme was in use as a flying field and during the Sercond World War there were numerous airfields in the surrounding countryside. Ernest Whitney had served in the Royal Flying Corps in World War I and the book includes some of his aerial photographs. The author also covers the social life of the town - sporting clubs, wedding groups and public festivities, as well as churches and schools ... nor does he forget the nobility - the Earls of Sandwich at Hinchingbrooke House and the Dukes of Manchester at Kimbolton Castle. Indeed, the past is powerfully brought to life in this vivid, visual account og old Huntingdon.
Contents:
Dedivcation
List of Illustrations
Ackowledgements
Introduction
Photographers by Appointment
The County Town
Local Administration
Chulrches and Schools
Trade and Commerce
Personalities
Recreation
Events and Mational Politics
