Kimbolton

Archaeological discoveries near to the airfield indicate the possible presence of a Roman settlement. The name Kimbolton, however, is Anglo-Saxon, translating as “Cenebald’s ton” (an enclosure or homestead). Kimbolton, and the lands of its soke, comprised the only estate of King Harold in Huntingdonshire. It is believed that Harold had a hunting lodge nearby. The town was listed as Chenebaltone and Kenebaltone in the Domesday Book of 1086 in the Hundred of Leightonstone in Huntingdonshire. The survey records that there were 20 ploughlands at Kimbolton in 1086 and, in addition to the arable land, there were 70 acre of meadows, 3784 acre of woodland and a water mill. There was already a…

In the present day the Statute Fair continues and is widely attended by students from the local school as well as those from other nearby schools and adults. It takes place on the High Street for one evening each September (unlike the three days granted by King John), and as such the High Street is closed for a 48-hour period, with traffic being redirected down St Andrew's Lane and East Street. Modern attractions at the fair include bumper cars, a funhouse, inflatables and waltzers as well as fairground games, including the staple coconut shy; attendance is reported to be in the hundreds. The continuation of the fair (despite the chaos which formerly ensued when this meant partial closure…