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.
The Old Bridge
One of the town’s standout features is its beautifully preserved medieval bridge, which was once part of the old Roman road, Ermine Street. It served as the only crossing into nearby Godmanchester until a bypass (now the A1307) was built in 1975.
Huntingdon Castle
Huntingdon Castle once stood watch over the town, securing its important trading position. Although only the motte (the raised earthwork) remains today, the site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and was the location of a commemorative beacon marking the 400th anniversary of the Spanish Armada.
The Cromwell Museum
Oliver Cromwell, one of the most famous—and debated—figures in British history, was born right here in Huntingdon in 1599. He spent much of his early life in the town and later returned in 1642 to raise his first cavalry troop as the English Civil War began. Fighting on the side of Parliament, Cromwell’s leadership eventually led him to become Lord Protector—the first non-royal to serve as head of state in Britain. Both a skilled soldier and a powerful political figure, his legacy continues to spark conversation to this day.
Hinchingbrooke House
Hinchingbrooke House is a historic stately home in Huntingdon, now part of Hinchingbrooke School. Originally built around an 11th-century Benedictine nunnery, it became the property of the Cromwell family after the Reformation, and later the home of the Earls of Sandwich—most notably John Montagu, 4th Earl, who’s often credited with inventing the sandwich.
Over the centuries, the house hosted notable guests including Queen Elizabeth I and King James I. Although much of the original medieval structure is gone, some features—like the old chapter house entrance—have been rediscovered during restorations. The house was rebuilt after a fire in 1830 and restored again in the 1890s and 1960s.
Since 1970, it’s been home to Hinchingbrooke School’s sixth form. Today, the house also serves as a wedding venue, conference centre, and famously transforms into a Halloween scare attraction. It’s a Grade I listed building and is open for public tours on summer Sundays.
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.
