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Historic Buildings in the Town

There are plenty of traces of Huntingdon's long and fascinating history to be seen, with over 150 properties listed as being of Special Architectural or Historic Interest.

The George Hotel

This was one of Huntingdon's great coaching inns, rivalled only by the Fountain Hotel, which stood nearby in the High Street, where Woolworth’s is today. The George retains the north and west wings of its 17th Century courtyard and gallery. The rest was rebuilt after a fire in 1865.

The Town Hall

Situated on Market Hill, its Assembly Room contains many fine paintings. Contact the Town Clerk’s Office for viewing access, telephone 01480 388688.

Hinchingbrooke House

A Tudor country house built on the former site of a Benedictine nunnery. Henry VIII granted the house to Sir Richard Cromwell in 1538. In 1627, it was sold to the Montagu family, later the Earls of Sandwich and in 1960 it was bought by Cambridgeshire County Council. Today it is the Sixth Form Centre of Hinchingbrooke School. Home to many royal visitors over the years, it is open to the public every Sunday afternoon from May Bank Holiday to August Bank Holiday. Tel: 01480 375678

The Falcon Inn

Although the story that Dick Turpin frequently stayed here is unproven, it is certainly true that the notorious highwayman plied his trade in this area. However, there is no doubt that this 16th Century inn was in the thick of things during the Civil War, as Cromwell made it his headquarters and in 1649, the Inn was the seat of the Parliamentary Commissioners.

All Saints Church

Located on the north side of the Market Square, this is one of the two surviving medieval parish churches out of an original 16. There is some remaining Norman stone work, but other parts are 15th Century, 17th Century and Victorian. The font, which was originally in St John's, is believed to be that in which Oliver Cromwell was baptised.

Cromwell House

Oliver Cromwell was born here in 1599, although the house currently standing on the property was built in 1830. A plaque commemorating Cromwell's birth can be seen on the front of the house. The site was originally a 13th Century Augustinian Friary.

The Cromwell Museum

The site has a long and varied history, having once been part of the large Hospital of St John the Baptist, founded in the late 12th Century as an almshouse and travellers' hostel. It became a part of the Huntingdon Grammar School in 1565. The building now houses the Cromwell Museum, containing paintings, documents and some personal items that belonged to Cromwell. Tel: 01480 375830

St Benedict's Court

In the middle of a busy shopping area, this recently re-developed area was once the site of St Benedict's Church, which was destroyed by Royalists during the Civil War.

St Mary's Church

Dating from Norman times, the church was almost completely rebuilt in the 13th Century. It contains records from St John's Church, including those relating to the Cromwell family. It is interesting to note that a Royalist scrawled his feelings across the top of Cromwell's baptismal entry - "England's plague for five years." Although crossed through, this comment is still legible.

The Commemoration Hall

Originally established in 1842 as The Literary and Scientific Institution, containing a library of 5000 volumes. It was renamed the Commemoration Hall in 1960, in memory of the men and women of Huntingdon who sacrificed their lives in the Second World War. The building underwent extensive renovation in 2001, and offers an attractive and popular local venue for all kinds of events from civic ceremonies to exhibitions, meetings, sales and theatrical performances.

Other Places of Historic Interest

Barley Mow (Hartford):

Built in part from the masonry of St Benedict's Church, which was severely damaged in the Civil War and finally demolished in 1802.

Castle Hill House:

Dated 1787, former home of the Pathfinder squadrons which operated out of local airfields in the Second World War.

Cowper House:

Home of the poet William Cowper from 1765-7.

Old County Gaol and Debtor's Prison

in Orchard Lane

Site of the Old Gaol,

where it is still possible to see the iron-grated openings which lit the underground cell housing the condemned.

St John’s Churchyard:

former site of St John’s Church where Oliver Cromwell was baptised. A record is kept in St Mary’s Church.

The Market Inn:

Originally built in the 16th Century, but subsequently modernised.

The Old Bridge Hotel:

Dated 18th century.

Thinking Soldier:

War memorial designed by Lady Kathleen Scott, wife of Robert Scott (of the Antarctic)

Wykeham & Walden Houses:

Early 18th and late 17th Century buildings

Bibliography

If you’d like to read more about Huntingdon, you might like to look at the following:
Victoria County History (vol. 2, pp 121-148, 286-296)
The Book of Huntingdon, Christopher Dunn, 1977
Huntingdon Eight Centuries of History, Alan Akeroyd & Caroline Clifford
Memories from Huntingdon and More Memories from Huntingdon, by Vera Homer
Published Works of the late P.G.M. Dickinson