Godmanchester Walk: Town Centre【4K】

Located in the county of Cambridgeshire, and around 15 miles northwest of Cambridge, is the town of Godmanchester.

Geographically, Godmanchester is situated along the south bank of the River Great Ouse which separates it from the town of Huntingdon to the north. An old Roman fort known as Durovigutum once stood here on a strategic spot on the crossroads between Ermine Street (London to York) and Via Devana (Colchester to Chester).

During the 9th century, Godmanchester fell under the rule of the Danelaw following the invasion of the Great Heathen Army. One hypothesis for the town's name suggests that it comes from 'Guthrum's fort' - Guthrum being the Viking king of East Anglia around this period. It has also been suggested that the name means 'fort of the Goths', alluding to the Germanic settlers of Sub-Roman Britain.

In 1212 a market charter was granted to Godmanchester by King John. Historic industries in the town have included agriculture, brewing and milling. In the case of the latter, the River Great Ouse has been used to power water mills along its course.

Standing in a prominent position in the town is the Church of St Mary the Virgin. This dates all the way back to the 13th century, albeit with various additions from the 14th and 15th centuries, and a 17th century tower and spire. The church is Grade I listed.

In 1827 the original Godmanchester Chinese Bridge was built across the River Great Ouse. This was constructed from wood in a Chinese style, hence the name. After falling into bad condition, it was reconstructed in facsimile in 1960, and again replaced in 2010. The bridge features from around the 8-minute mark. It is referenced in the 2017 song Godmanchester Chinese Bridge by British indie rock band The Howl & The Hum.

In 1847 a railway station opened in Godmanchester. Initially it was known as Huntingdon up until 1882, despite another station of the same name opening in Huntingdon itself in 1850. Godmanchester station closed to passengers in 1959 and to freight in 1962. Today, Huntingdon is the nearest station, situated about a mile and a half from Godmanchester town centre. Alternatively, local buses to and from Cambridge and other nearby settlements are available.

Historically, Godmanchester was part of the county of Huntingdonshire. However, in 1974 this county was effectively swallowed up by Cambridgeshire. Huntingdonshire, or Hunts for short, still refers to the non-metropolitan district of Cambridgeshire centred around Huntingdon where the district council is based.

Godmanchester is represented in sport by Godmanchester Rovers Football Club. Founded in 1911, they play their home games at Bearscroft Lane, and are notable for having given Darren Bent a start to his career before his ascent to the Premier League.

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Filmed: 27th January 2024

Link to the walk on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Pr6AM7AneKsLb...

Filmed on a Sony FDR-AX700 with a Zhiyun Crane 2 and a Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone.

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 Silver Street
1:04 Old Court Hall
2:46 West Street
4:14 Causeway
7:43 Queen's Walk
11:59 Causeway
12:07 Cambridge Street
15:58 Chadley Lane
17:15 St Mary the Virgin Church
17:48 Chadley Lane
18:55 Cambridge Street
19:10 Post Street
20:52 Church Place
21:48 Post Street