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Huntingdon's Town Seal

The Borough seal shows two hounds attacking a deer, accompanied by a hunter with his bow and arrows. The legend around the edge of the seal reads Sigillum Communitatis De Hunterisdune, which means "Seal of the Corporation of Huntingdon." The original engraver of the seal, back in 1628, mistakenly replaced the "d" in Huntingdon with an "o." In 1634 the town paid for a new seal to be made, this time with the correct spelling.

The seal was very important. Huntingdon was an incorporated borough, which meant that its ruling body had its own legal identity, and could enter into legal agreements with other organisations and individuals. The seal acted as the town's signature, affirming the legal status of any document to which it was attached. The towns clerk would press the seal into warm wax at the bottom of the document, to leave an imprint.

Huntingdon and Godmanchester united to form a single borough in 1961, but borough status was abolished in 1974. Seals are still used today, although they are made now by pressing down on special red paper with a weight. Huntingdon's original seal design is still used today as the town's logo.

Alan Akeroyd

CASTLE HILLS

The site of a Norman Castle, built in 1068 by order of William the Conqueror. In 1174, King David of Scotland inherited the Castle and surrounding lands. David supported King Henry II of England’s son in his attempt to overthrow his father. The castle was a casualty of this revolt when Henry had it completely destroyed. Nothing can now be seen of the wooden castle except the earthworks. You will also find a beacon on Castle Hills which was erected in 1988. It forms part of a national chain which was built and lit to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the defeat of the Spanish Armada.