Lost in time Coton’s story unfolds before you. Picture this tiny village three miles west of Cambridge. Coton a place unmentioned in the Domesday Book. Its land then belonged to Grantchester. Yet Coton became a separate parish in the Middle Ages. Imagine the slow growth of this community. Only 21 families lived here by 1563. The population gradually increased reaching 126 by 1801.
The heart of Coton is St Peter’s Church. This ancient chapel dates back to the 12th century. It initially depended on Grantchester church. Over time St Peter’s gained its independence. Parts of the original building still stand. The nave the chancel and the font. These 12th century structures stand as silent witnesses to Coton’s past. Extensive restoration took place in the 1870s and 1880s. The church’s survival reflects Coton’s resilience.
For centuries Cambridge colleges owned most of Coton’s land. St John’s Queens’ King’s and St Catharine’s leased it for farming. Life wasn’t always peaceful. In 1830 Coton suffered during the Swing Riots. A farmer’s farmstead burned down. The losses amounted to 1720 pounds. This event is etched into Coton’s memory.
Coton boasts more than just its church. A primary school stands proudly. The Plough a restaurant-pub welcomes visitors. A garden centre provides a post office farm shop and cafe. Sporting clubs thrive here too. A cricket club a football club and a bowls club offer leisure activities. The Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial lies on the Coton stretch of Madingley Road. Coton’s Village Hall underwent extension and refurbishment. Thanks to local residents and their commitment this space now hosts various events. Coton Orchard a significant landmark. Planted in 1922 it produces apple juice. The juice supplies several Cambridge colleges.
Coton’s rich history and present-day charm intertwine. The Coton Footpath a recreational route linking Cambridge and Coton is a popular choice. Walking or cycling you can see muntjac deer in the village’s surroundings. A proposed busway close to the village and a Park and Ride facility on Madingley Hill are current concerns. Meetings are taking place to address these issues. The future of Coton remains to be written. But this small village carries a big history.