Godmanchester, Huntingdonshire, England. Geographical and Historical information from 1932.

GODMANCHESTER:
Geographical and Historical information from the year 1932.

"GODMANCHESTER, the parish and borough of Godmanchester are conterminus. The River Ouse forms the northern boundary and divides Godmanchester from the Borough of Huntingdon. The land near to the river is liable to flooding, but the ground rises gradually to the south where it is mostly arable. The population is chiefly occupied in agriculture although in recent years it has become a dormitory for those working elsewhere.

The town arose on the site of a Roman settlement (Durolipus), but its layout was changed to suit the requirements of a market town. Ermine Street, the Roman road from London to the north, and the Roman roads from Sandy & the south east and from Cambridge which joined it, stop abruptly at the points where they touched the Roman town. Whilst the Great North Road still exists, traffic now by-passes Godmanchester as it does Huntingdon, on a dual carriageway/motorway system

In the 17th century Godmanchester was described as 'a very great country toune, and of as great name for tillage, situated in open ground, of a light mould and bending ye sun'. In 1604, the borough charter tells of like conditions, and especially exempted the store horses and others employed in agriculture from the King's service. Of other industries, coal porterage on the Ouse was once an important business, and in the 19th century a Tan Yard, iron foundry and brick works existed, and basket making was also carried on.

The parish was inclosed by a private Act of Parliament in 1803."