Whittlesey in Cambridgeshire, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Welcome to the Whittlesey Heritage Walk
| | Whittlesey Heritage Walk | |
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, May 7, 2026
1. Welcome to the Whittlesey Heritage Walk Marker
Route Map
This Walk is split into a long route (2.8km 90mins) and a shorter route (1.3km40mins). Each route starts and finishes at Market Place and include numerous stopping points with Information panels shown on the map. Regular resting places such as public benches are provided along both routes.
This is Market Place in the middle of Whittlesey town and the central setting for weekly markets, twice yearly fun fairs and the famous Straw Bear Festival every January. Picturesque and surrounded by a variety of historic buildings and features each with their own stories and experiences covering hundreds of years. A perfect starting point for exploring the Whittlesey Heritage Walk....
The Butter Cross
Designated as a scheduled ancient monument the Butter Cross was built in 1680 to give shelter to people selling dairy goods. It has served as a meeting place for old and young throughout its life. It has even been boarded round to create a polling
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A valued focal point in the bustling heart of town and protected by the courts way back in 1759 when an order was made to fine youths if they kicked a football into the roof space as this was causing damage to the Butter Cross and surrounding properties.
8 Market Place
This property once formed part of St. Mary's coquinary or monks' kitchen supplying food for the monks at Thorney Abbey. The building named Harrington House was built in the mid 17th century with the later edition of an 18th century pedimented doorcase - just goes to show that home improvements have always been in fashion! The iron railings were added in the 19th century but, unlike many others, they escaped removal during the second world war.
4 High Causeway
An imposing building built in circa 1740, this property once had a walled garden on the opposite side of High Causeway. The original railings in front were taken down and re-purposed for the war effort but replaced in recent years. Across the zebra crossing is 5 Market Place, striking in its heyday of the early/mid 19th century. This building was used by the town registrar for births,
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, May 7, 2026
2. The Butter Cross
6-7 Market Place
This late 18th century property was originally a bank, once a branch of Gurney's bank but long since used for a variety of purposes. A major one from at least 1896 was as a chemist shop which retained its old fittings and fixtures right up to the 1960s. It closed on the retirement of chemist Mr. Hutchinson who was well-known locally for making many of his own hand lotions and cough mixtures.
Erected by Whittlesey Town Council. (Marker Number 1.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.
Location. 52° 33.388′ N, 0° 7.648′ W. Marker is in Whittlesey, England, in Cambridgeshire. It is on Market Street. The marker is located directly next to the Butter Cross. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2 Market Street, Whittlesey, England PE7 1AF, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in England’s East Anglia. Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The War Memorial, Mansion House, The George Hotel (here, next to this marker); Crossing the River (approx. 7.9 kilometers away); Foundry Walk (approx. 7.9 kilometers away); Simon Gunton (approx. 7.9 kilometers away); Welcome to Peterborough Cathedral (approx. 7.9 kilometers away); Narrow Bridge Street (approx. 7.9 kilometers away); St Thomas Becket (approx. 8 kilometers away); Abbey and Cathedral (approx. 8 kilometers away).
Credits. This page was last revised on August 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 15, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
