Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Huntingdon has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Huntingdon.
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Sights in Huntingdon
Although not especially large or wellknown, the English town of Huntingdon has a number of interesting sights that make it worth a visit. Situated in the county of Cambridgeshire, about an hour’s drive north of London, Huntingdon is located on the River Great Ouse. Its most famous residents include the writer Oliver Goldsmith and the 19thcentury Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli.
The Old Bridge, which spans the river, is the town’s most distinctive landmark. The current structure dates from 1540, but there have been bridges on this site since medieval times. A short walk from the bridge leads to All Saints’ Church, a beautiful Gothic building with a 13thcentury tower.
Near the church is the Cromwell Museum, housed in a building that was once the town jail. The museum tells the story of Oliver Cromwell, who was born in Huntingdon in 1599. Cromwell played a key role in the English Civil War and was later appointed Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland.
Another notable sight in Huntingdon is Hinchingbrooke House, a country house that was once the home of Oliver Cromwell. The house, which is now a hotel, dates from the early 17th century and is set in extensive gardens.
If you’re interested in nature, Huntingdon is a good place to see waterfowl and wading birds. The RSPB reserve at Fen Drayton Lakes is a short drive from the town centre and is a haven for birders.
Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or just want to enjoy a charming English town, Huntingdon is definitely worth a visit.
History of Huntingdon
The market town of Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire, England, is situated on the River Great Ouse, approximately 60 miles (97 km) north of London and 20 miles (32 km) west of Peterborough. It is in the Huntingdonshire district. Historically, Huntingdon was the capital of the Kingdom of Huntingdon.
The town has a long history, with proof of Roman, AngloSaxon and Norman settlement. The first Market Place was built by the Saxons, and over time a number of churches have been constructed. The town was granted a Royal Charter by King John in 1205, which led to its growth as a market town and the establishment of three annual fairs.
During the Civil War, Oliver Cromwell was based in Huntingdon, and the town saw two battles. In 1645, the Parliamentarians defeated the Royalists at the Battle of Naseby, some 10 miles (16 km) to the northwest of the town, and in 1648 the Royalists recaptured the town before being defeated once more at the nearby Battle of Lostwithiel. The latter battle is sometimes referred to as the Second Battle of Newbury, as it was fought close to that town.
As a result of the town’s battles, as well as its strategic location, Huntingdon was ordered to be fortified. From 1648 onwards, defences were built around the town, including walls and bastions. Some of these defensive structures still exist today, and have been incorporated into later buildings.
In 1745, Huntingdon was the scene of another battle of the Jacobite Rising. On 1 December, a Jacobite army under the command of Louis, duc de Berwick (grandson of James II) laid siege to the town. The Jacobites were defeated, and the duke was subsequently captured and executed in York.
The Turnpike Act was passed in 1766, which led to the construction of new roads and improved communications, and resulted in a significant increase in trade for the town.
The coming of the railways in the 19th century brought further prosperity, and the town grew rapidly. It became a county town in 1888, and was given municipal borough status in 1885.
One of the most notable residents of Huntingdon was the writer and historian Samuel Pepys, who was born in the town in 1633. Another was the 18th century Primitive Methodist leader Hugh Bourne, who was born in the town in 1772.
Today, Huntingdon is a thriving market town, with a twiceweekly market, and a number of shops, pubs and restaurants. It is also home to a number of historic buildings, including All Saints’ Church, Huntingdon Castle and the Old Courthouse Museum.
Vacation in Huntingdon
Huntingdon is a historic market town in Cambridgeshire, England. The town was founded by the Saxons and was a flourishing market town by the time of the Domesday Book in 1086. It is situated on the River Great Ouse, about 60 miles (97 km) north of London.
The town has a population of about 18,000 and is the main town of Huntingdonshire District Council. The district had a population of 145,700 at the 2011 Census.
The town is twinned with Jambes in Belgium and MülheimRuhr in Germany.
There is evidence of human habitation in the area since the Bronze Age. The Romans established a military settlement at nearby Godmanchester. The town’s market is recorded in the Domesday Book.
In 1086 the manor was granted to William the Conqueror’s nephew, Odo of Bayeux.
The town prospered as a market town and was granted a charter by King John in 1205. The town’s market cross, built in the early 14th century, still stands today.
During the English Civil War, Oliver Cromwell was appointed Governor of the town in 1643. The town was a Royalist stronghold, but was captured by the Parliamentarians after a long siege in 1644.
The town was badly damaged during the Great Fire of 1686, but many of its medieval buildings survived.
The town’s rural economy declined during the 19th century, but it remained an important market town.
The coming of the railways in the 1850s led to a new period of prosperity. The town’s Sleepy Hollow Cemetery was created in 1848.
Today, Huntingdon is a thriving market town with a wide range of shops and businesses. It is also a popular tourist destination, with attractions such as Hinchingbrooke Country Park, Huntingdon Racecourse and the Norman Abbey Church of St Mary the Virgin.
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