History of Cambridgeshire facts for kids
The English county of Cambridgeshire has a very long and interesting history.
Contents
Cambridgeshire in Anglo-Saxon Times
Around the 6th century, a group of people called the Angles settled in the area we now call Cambridgeshire. They traveled up the Ouse and the Cam. They settled in the fen-district, a marshy area, and became known as the Gyrwas. This area was later split into North Gyrwas (like modern Huntingdonshire) and South Gyrwas (like modern Cambridgeshire).
In 656, lands near Wisbech were given to the abbey of Peterborough. Later in the same century, religious houses were built at Ely and Thorney. However, these were destroyed when the Danes invaded in the 9th century. After a peace treaty, the area became part of the Danelaw, which was ruled by the Danes.
In the 10th century, King Edward the Elder pushed the Danes out, and Cambridgeshire became part of East Anglia. But in the 11th century, the Danes invaded again and burned down Cambridge. The old book called the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle says that Cambridgeshire fought bravely against the invaders in 1010, even when other parts of East Anglia ran away. Before the Norman conquest of England, Cambridgeshire was likely organized around Cambridge, its main town.
How Cambridgeshire Was Divided
At the time of the Domesday Survey (a big survey of England in 1086), Cambridgeshire was divided much like it is today. The Isle of Ely, which was once two areas called "hundreds," is now four hundreds: Ely, Wisbech, North Witchford, and South Witchford. Cambridge itself was one hundred.
Most of Cambridgeshire was part of the diocese of Lincoln for church matters. But in 1109, when the diocese of Ely was created, almost the whole county joined it.
Cambridgeshire's Politics
The Isle of Ely used to have special independent rights, almost like its own small kingdom, where the local bishop had a lot of power. These special rights were reduced during the time of King Henry VIII.
Cambridgeshire didn't have many powerful noble families who owned land for a long time. After the Norman Conquest, most English landowners lost their land. The main landowners mentioned in the Domesday Survey were Norman lords.
The Isle of Ely was often involved in big political fights in England:
- In the 1100s, Bishop Nigellus of Ely defended it against King Stephen.
- During the struggles between King John and his barons, Cambridge Castle was taken by the barons.
- In 1266, followers of Simon de Montfort took the Isle of Ely, but Prince Edward (who later became King Edward I) took it back in 1267.
- During the English Reformation (when England changed from Catholic to Protestant), Cambridgeshire people supported the changes.
- In the English Civil War (1642-1651), Cambridgeshire supported Parliament against King Charles I. However, the University helped the King with money and valuable items.
Cambridgeshire started sending representatives to Parliament in 1290. The county sent two members, and the town of Cambridge sent two members. The University of Cambridge also started sending two members to Parliament from 1614 onwards.
Cambridgeshire's Economy
Historically, Cambridgeshire was mainly an agricultural county, meaning people farmed a lot. The Domesday Survey mentions over 90 mills and many valuable fisheries, especially for eels. It also talks about wheat, malt (for making beer), and honey.
In the 14th century, the county had a good wool industry, making fine wool cloths. However, the Black Death in 1349 and the Wars of the Roses caused tough times. In 1439, some Cambridgeshire towns even got a break from taxes because they were so poor.
In the 16th century, farmers grew a lot of barley for malt in the south of the county. People in the fen-districts made willow baskets. Later, in the 18th century, saffron (a valuable spice) was widely grown. Paper was also made near Sturbridge.
The Sturbridge fair was one of the biggest in Europe at this time, selling wool, hops (for beer), and leather. The Newmarket horse races and horse trade were already famous.
Large areas of marshy land were turned into farmland in the 17th century. This happened because the fen-district was drained, a big project finished around 1652 by a Dutchman named Cornelius Vermuyden.
From 1850 to 1880, the coprolite industry (digging up fossilized animal waste for fertilizer) was very profitable. But when it declined, it led to a general downturn in farming and other industries.
Old Buildings and Churches
Cambridgeshire has many beautiful old buildings, especially churches. Some of the most famous are the cathedral at Ely and the round church of the Holy Sepulchre in Cambridge. Also, Jesus College and King's College chapels in Cambridge are amazing.
At Thorney, a small town in the north, the parish church is part of an old abbey. This abbey is said to have started in the 7th century and was rebuilt in 972. The church has beautiful Norman parts.
Another interesting Norman building is Sturbridge chapel near Cambridge. It used to belong to a hospital for people with leprosy. King John gave this hospital the right to hold a fair, which became one of the most important in England until the 18th century.
At Swaffham Prior, you can see the remains of two churches in one churchyard. One tower is from the Norman period, and the other is from the later Perpendicular style.
Other notable churches include St Andrew's Church, Cherry Hinton (Early English style) and the churches of Trumpington and Bottisham (Decorated style). Trumpington church has a famous brass carving of Sir Roger de Trumpington from 1289. For Perpendicular style, the tower of St Mary's in Whittlesey and the wooden roof of Outwell church are great examples.
There are not many remains of old monasteries. Outside of Cambridge city, there aren't many famous old houses, except for Sawston Hall. This is a large, square mansion built between 1557 and 1584.
Recent Discoveries in Archaeology
Archaeology helps us learn about the past by digging up old things.
- In Spring 2018, a huge collection of Roman-British coins was found by someone using a metal detector in Huntingdon. This collection, called the Huntingdon "Muddy" Hoard, is the largest coin hoard ever found in the county. The coins date back to 274 AD, during the last days of the Gallic Empire.
- In February 2019, archaeologists found proof of the first Iron Age beer in the UK, dating back over 2,000 years! This discovery was made during road work in Cambridgeshire. An archaeologist named Steve Sherlock said, "It's a well-known fact that ancient populations used the beer-making process to purify water and create a safe source of hydration, but this is potentially the earliest physical evidence of that process taking place in the UK."
See also
- History of Northamptonshire for the Soke of Peterborough
- Timeline of Cambridge history
