History and Heritage
Through the centuries, Huntingdonshire has been associated with a wealth of famous people. Come and retrace their steps and discover more about their lives. Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of England, was born and educated in Huntingdon. Learn more about his life at the Cromwell Museum, once his former grammar school. Visit St Ives, where his statue still looks down over the market square. Hinchingbrooke House at Huntingdon was the former home of the Cromwell family and young Oliver reputedly played here as a boy. Hinchingbrooke House also received many other important visitors through the ages, including King James I and Queen Elizabeth I and was once owned by the Earls of Sandwich.
Samuel Pepys, the diarist, lived in Brampton, close to Huntingdon. Today you can pause at The Black Bull, reputedly where Pepys enjoyed a drink. Tragic Queen Katherine of Aragon, first wife of King Henry VIII, spent her last days in Huntingdonshire. Visit her places of imprisonment at Buckden Towers and Kimbolton Castle and imagine her last days. Buckden Towers also entertained other members of royalty, including Henry III, Edward I, Richard III, Henry VIII and Katherine Howard. In Huntingdonshire, history meets the present day. The first civilized settlements were inhabited by the Romans and Saxons. This past is captured and brought to life at the local museums.
Visit Ramsey Rural Museum, which displays traditional implements used by local craftsmen, emphasising Ramsey's agricultural heritage. The Norris Museum at St Ives, St Neots Museum and the "War Museum" at Huntingdon all have fascinating collections. The Cromwell Museum in Huntingdon, focuses on the life of Huntingdon's most famous son, Oliver Cromwell, who led the country during the years 1653 - 1658.
Why not browse our historic sites and museums using the button below?
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