The Old Auction Yard was once the site of the coach house and outbuildings of Chatteris House.
The auctions, which were started in 1908 by Frederick William Seward, were popular events that were held every Friday. They could last for eight or nine hours, and handled sales of furniture, livestock and dairy and farm produce. The auctions continued until the retirement of Lindsey Seward in the 1970s.
During World War II the auction yard was commandeered by The British Army.
Photographs: now and then
The Old Auction Yard, 2020. Photo: Lawrence Weetman 
Sewards Auction Yard. Photo: unknown 
Sewards Auction Yard, commandeered during WWII. Photo: Chatteris Community Archive
Where is it?
Location and directions: Google Maps
Find out more
- The Old Auction Yard on Google Streetview
- The Old Auction Yard on the Chatteris Community Archive
Taking a digital tour of Chatteris?
If you’re taking a Digital Tour of Chatteris, continue along the High Street towards New Road, taking care as you cross it. From the junction between the High Street and New Road you can see a tall industrial chimney – this is where we are heading next.
As you progress along the High Street take some time to appreciate the many historic shop fronts that still adorn the streetscape. On your right, you will eventually find our next stop: Lindsells Walk.