53rd Cambridge (Cottenham): Outline History

Cambridge District Scout Archive

For the full Cottenham Scout Outline History see:  Structure/ Troops and Groups/ 1^st Groups/ Villages named in Group titles/ Villages/ Cottenham

Cottenham is the second and last Scout Group to use the number 53th Cambridge.   It had several names

• 14^th Cambridge District                      1924 – 19?
• 46^th Cambridge (Cottenham)              1928 – 1934
• Cottenham                                          1935 –
• 1^st Cottenham                                     ?    -1948
• 53^rd Cambridge (1^st Cottenham)                  
• 1^st Cottenham
• 2^nd Cottenham

1^st Cottenham

Cottenham had transferred to Mid Cambridgeshire in 1935 division of the large Cambridge District.  This District lost stability during WW2 and was absorbed back into Cambridge District.  At this point a 1st Cottenham is listed as returning alongside other Groups to Cambridge District, initially a temporary measure.

Census Returns listed under 1^st Cottenham

• Cubs                1948   

53^rd Cambridge (1^st Cottenham)       1948 – 1955                20045

On re absorption Mid Cambridgeshire Groups were given new Cambridge numbers largely in the 50’s.  The use of the 53^rd Cambridge is short.  In 1951 they are called 53^rd in the AGM report, in 1953 1^st Cottenham.  A date of re registration as 1^st Cottenham of 18^th July 1949 with the HQ number 20045 is known, however, they are listed in the census returns as 53^rd.

It would appear that they were generally known as Cottenham or 1^st Cottenham and the records were pedantic or a delayed change in naming preferences.

Census Returns listed under 53^rd Cambridge (1^st Cottenham)

• Cubs                1949 – 1955
• Scouts             1950 – 1955

This group appears to have stopped in 1955/56.

1^st Cottenham                                                1971 –  1978                20045

Reformed with the same HQ number but clearly as 1^st Cottenham.

JWR Archivist July 2022