Item 167 - Receipt for Purchases at Matthew and Gent

John Matthew (1811-89) was the head of Matthew’s, Grocers of Trinity Street, from 1849 to 1889. He, his wife, father-in-law, brother-in-law, and eight of the couple’s eleven children are commemorated in three grave plots in the cemetery. Matthew & Son was a significant presence in the centre of Cambridge for 130 years, with its sumptuous offerings of exotic coffees and teas, cheeses, preserves, wines, spirits and tobacco.
John was a parishioner of the old All Saints Church (opposite St John’s College), and when that was demolished in 1865 he was much involved in establishing the new All Saints Church on Jesus Lane. A window in the church is dedicated to John and Mary Ann. John headed the family firm for 40 years, establishing it as a thriving business.