Cambridgeshire Archives have acquired a rare 18th century Chesterton terrier, securing it through a £350 grant from Friends of the Nations’ Libraries. The acquisition brings into public care a document titled ‘Terrier of John Chettoe’s Property in Chesterton’, dated 1768 and containing a transcript of an earlier terrier from 1694. It has been purchased from a private owner in South Africa.
This 18th century Chesterton terrier records land and property ownership in rural Chesterton at a time when the area had not yet been absorbed into the wider growth of Cambridge. It outlines Chettoe’s residence, likely Chesterton Hall, along with approximately 84 acres of surrounding land.
The terrier includes details of field boundaries, plot sizes, estimated land values and tenant names. Its precision offers a clear picture of land use and ownership structure, and provides a window into the social and economic patterns that defined the estate.
No other terriers of Chesterton from this period are known to survive. The 18th century Chesterton terrier therefore fills a gap in Cambridgeshire Archives’ collections and fits alongside existing holdings relating to John Chettoe, including his will, title deeds and correspondence.
The ownership history recorded in associated documents shows that the property was purchased from Captain Gamaliel Nightingale in 1772, sold to William Wragg in 1799, and later acquired by St John’s College, Cambridge. The land was eventually sold for housing development in the 1930s, during which time Chesterton Hall was converted into flats.
Councillor Alison Whelan said: “I’m very grateful to Friends of the Nations’ Libraries for funding Cambridgeshire Archives’ purchase of this document. Preserving our local heritage enriches our understanding of community identity and development.
“Documents like the Chesterton Terrier connect us to the lives and landscapes of the past, helping us appreciate the journey our county has taken.”
Archivist Esther Bellamy said: “This document preserves a vital piece of Cambridgeshire’s history, capturing the landscape of Chesterton and marking its transformation from rural estate to urban community. It’s a valuable resource for historians, or anyone interested in the way land use and social history have evolved in our county.”
Cambridgeshire Archives, operated by Cambridgeshire County Council, holds historic records relating to Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and the Isle of Ely. Its online catalogue describes more than half a million documents with further entries added regularly. Anyone wishing to view specific items, including the 18th century Chesterton terrier, is advised to make an appointment.
