On the outskirts of Huntingdon, set in a large country park, are a group of buildings that make up Hinchingbrooke School. The main parts of this complex are relatively modern, but there is a large, rambling old house that is separated from the other buildings by a walled enclosure, and is presently used as the Sixth Form Centre of the school. Concealed within the walls of this impressive country house is a truly fascinating history spanning some 900 years, and a whole host of ghostly visitations, all recounted in animated fashion by one of Hinchingbrooke's sixth form pupils.

Early church remains unearthed here suggest that it was occupied during Norman times, but it is known that a Benedictine nunnery moved in during the 1200s and further developed the site to a traditional monastic plan. Little has survived of this 13th century building, but a couple of windows and the chapter house arch were discovered behind some internal panelling at Hinchingbrooke House and have now been exposed. Under the staircase, two ancient occupants in skeletal form continue to lie in their stone coffins, as much a mystery today as when they were first discovered in 1832. Perhaps one day, during one of their spiritual appearances on the stairs, a witness will be able to reveal the circumstances in which these two old nuns met their death, and why they were buried in such an unusual place.

It is interesting to note that the medieval gateway leading to the house looks as though it ought to have been part of that nunnery. In fact, it was formerly the gateway to a neighbouring abbey, that was subsequently dismantled and rebuilt at Hinchingbrooke in the second half of the 16th century to provide an impressive entrance to the newly transformed mansion of Sir Henry Cromwell.

The Cromwell family, who were involved in some of Britain's most dramatic historical events, only lived at Hinchingbrooke House for some 80 years. Thomas Cromwell, uncle to the first owner Richard Williams (alias Cromwell), was largely responsible for carrying out Henry VIII's orders to dissolve the monasteries. Sir Oliver Cromwell, son of Sir Henry Cromwell and the last of the family to reside at the property, was uncle to Oliver Cromwell whose anti-Royalist campaigns during the Enlgish Civil War, ended with the execution of the King Charles I and his personal elevation to 'Lord Protector' until his death in 1658.

It was Sir Oliver Cromwell who made the greatest impact on Hinchingbrooke House, making extensive alterations and additions to the growing country mansion, and providing hospitality to King James I on several occasions. Eventually this lavish entertainment drained him financially, and in 1627 he was forced to sell the estate to the Montagu family.

Following a serious fire in 1830, Edward Blore designed the rebuilding of the damaged north east corner of the house, but few further changes were made until it was sold to the County Council in 1962. Following a major restoration, and redevelopment of the grounds, it became part of the school complex from 1970.