Hinchingbrooke House

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 Cromwells lived at Hinchingbrooke House for only 80 years, but during this relatively short period they were involved in some dramatic historical events. Thomas Cromwell, the first owner, was largely responsible for carrying out Henry VIII's orders to dissolve the monasteries, and Oliver Cromwell, the last of the family to reside at the property, was renowned for his anti-Royalist campaigns during the Civil War. However, it was his uncle who made the greatest impact on Hinchingbrooke House, making extensive alterations and additions to the growing country mansion, and providing hospitality to King James on numerous occasions. Eventually this lavish entertainment drained Sir Oliver 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. Although there is only limited access to Hinchingbrooke House, it is very interesting architecturally, totally absorbing from an historical viewpoint, and fascinating for the legends and stories associated with it.