Welcome to Godmanchester

Durovigutum* (4th Century), Godmundcestre (11th Century), Gutmuncetre, Gudmencestre, Gumencestre, Guncestre (12th Century), Gumecestre, Gurmundcestre (13th Century) and finally Godmanchester (15th Century to date).

Godmanchester, owes the origin of its current name to the Roman occupation of Britain although there is archaeological evidence that the site of the town was occupied before the Roman invasion. Godmanchester is situated at the junction of two famous Roman roads, the Via Devana and Ermine Street where they cross the River Great Ouse.

Godmanchester stands on the southern bank of the River Great Ouse opposite the town of Huntingdon on the northern bank to which it is joined by two bridges, the ancient medieval arched stone bridge and a modern high level bridge carrying the major A14 dual carriageway between Cambridge and Peterborough. The town boasts no fewer than 130 buildings Listed for Special Architectural Interest.

Godmanchester is one of the towns of the District of Huntingdonshire, whose administrative centre is Huntingdon, the other principal towns being St Ives home of the Chapel on the Bridge, St Neots the largest town in the County of Cambridgeshire and Ramsey site of the former Abbey.