Nine hundred years old. That’s how old parts of St Andrew’s Church in Cherry Hinton Ward are. Cherry Hinton Ward a suburban area of Cambridge sits about three miles southeast of the city centre. But don’t let the suburban label fool you. This place has a rich and fascinating history.
Imagine the Iron Age. The War Ditches a now-mostly-quarried Iron Age hill fort once stood here. Fifty-five metres in diameter it was a significant settlement. Later the Romans arrived. Their presence is evident in the remains of a Roman farm discovered near the hill. This farm included a large rectangular structure possibly a farmhouse and a smaller one perhaps a barn.
The Domesday Book mentions Cherry Hinton. It records Count Alan owning the manor and four mills. Alan Rufus a powerful figure confiscated the manor from Edith Swanneck Harold II’s first wife. This small detail reveals a power struggle in a bygone era. It adds a layer to the story of Cherry Hinton’s beginnings.
For centuries Cherry Hinton was a small village. Marshland separated the Church End and Mill End. However drainage schemes in the 19th century changed the landscape drastically. These changes connected the two parts of the village. This village expanded significantly over the last fifty years. New housing estates both council-owned and private have sprung up transforming the area.
The community here is vibrant. St Andrew’s Church with its 13th-century chancel and 15th-century rood screen is the heart of this community. The Baptist Chapel on Fisher’s Lane founded in 1843 is another important place. They rebuilt their current chapel in 1883. This church is active in the community today. It runs a youth cafe a Friday group for retirees and a refugee aid bank.
The village is well connected to Cambridge and beyond. There are good roads and a bus service running frequently into Cambridge. Cyclists have a range of paths including Snakey Path and The Tins. These paths avoid roads and offer scenic routes around Cherry Hinton Brook. This area has several clubs and societies. Among them are youth football teams a bellringing group a local history group and an army cadet force.
The village’s economy is diverse. It has a mix of small industrial units shops and businesses. Marshall Aerospace which is near Cambridge Airport employed many people for decades. Other employers include ARM the famous processor designer and Cambridge Water.
Cherry Hinton Ward’s rich history is woven into its present day. Its unique character is shaped by its past. It has evolved from an ancient settlement to a modern-day community. St Andrew’s Church the Baptist Chapel. These all reflect the unique past and present of Cherry Hinton Ward. This place tells a story worth remembering.