Frederick Cross was the oldest known of the thirteen children of Obediah and Susannah Cross of Ely, Cambridgeshire.
Frederick purchased a property on Forehill, Ely in 1892 (dating back to an impressive 1553 as subsequent restoration would go on to prove) and set about rennovating the building for use as a shop consisting initially of a picture framing shop. Eventually the shop was split in half and a bakery was installed, selling all kinds of breads and confectionery. Soon the bakery consumed the rest of the building and the Cross' set up the first cafe in Ely.
Aside from being a baker, Frederick was also a skilled self-taught carpenter and had his own workshop in the back yard of his home and shop. He was also a magician and often delighted the early 20th Century audiences at Ely Corn Exchange with new tricks.
Frederick and his son 'Vernon', often exhumed fossils and other historical items from the fenland around Ely and these items soon became what is now a significant part of today's Ely Museum. The Museum has commemorated the Cross contribution by naming a room after him.
Born:
1854, Ely, Cambridgeshire.
Baptised:
18th October 1854, Holy Trinity, Ely, Cambridgeshire
Died:
1911, Holy Trinity, Ely, Cambridgeshire.
Buried:
27th November 1911, with funeral taking place at Holy Trinity, Ely, Cambridgeshire.