Discover Huntingdon
Huntingdon is a vibrant market town set in a welcoming location on the River Great Ouse and close to the hubs of the A14, A1 and rail networks. Within easy reach of the cities of Cambridge and London, the town offers the perfect place to escape to with a host of things to do.
A vibrant market town
Enjoy the choice of boutique and national shops, historic heritage, riverside walks and fun activities held throughout the year!
Shop at M&S Foodhall, Next, TK Maxx and Magnet in Chequers Shopping Centre or head to the high street for a range of independent shops from shoes to jewellery.
There are many events throughout the year from regular traditional markets to specialist markets, street entertainment, Huntingdon’s own Arts & Entertainment Centre at The Commemoration Hall, Shakespearian Theatre at The George Hotel, classical concerts, craft markets and, as they say, a whole lot more!
History of Huntingdon
Huntingdon has deep roots, dating back to the days of the Anglo-Saxons and Danes. It first pops up in the historical record in 921, mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as ‘Huntandun.’ By the time of the Domesday Book in 1086, it had evolved to “Huntedun.” The name is thought to mean either ‘the huntsman’s hill’ or ‘Hunta’s hill.’
Interestingly, the area saw some activity even earlier. During the Roman Empire, around 274 AD, a huge stash of Roman coins—9,724 of them!—was buried here, likely during the reigns of Emperors Tetricus I and Aurelian. This treasure, now known as the Muddy Hoard, was discovered in 2018 and is considered the largest of its kind ever found in Cambridgeshire.
In its early days, Huntingdon was a key outpost for Danish raiders venturing beyond East Anglia. That changed in 917 when the Danes shifted their base to Tempsford (in modern-day Bedfordshire), only to be defeated by Edward the Elder. Over the years, the town grew and thrived thanks to its location by the River Great Ouse—first as a river crossing, then as a bustling market town, and later as a coaching hub during the 18th and 19th centuries. The historic George Hotel was one of its well-known stops.
History buff?
If you’re curious about the town’s past, original documents are preserved at the Cambridgeshire Archives and Local Studies Centre at the County Record Office in Huntingdon.
