OLLIE WAS 'ERE!

So, we're arriving at Huntingdon, once the county town of the now defunct Huntingdonshire and now part of Cambridgeshire. Travellers on the East Coast Main Line may recall seeing the United Counties depot from the train. Here it is in 1978 (Richard Huggins).

 Next we head to the railway station, seen here in GNR times.

The station was later rebuilt by British Rail, with quadruple track and platforms on the slow lines. There was also a bay for DMUs heading to Hertford North.

An up HST zooms through, with the A14 crossing both the railway and the local road to Brampton. The A14 has recently been moved and its bridge demolished.

In 1980, some Intercity trains were still calling at Huntingdon.

Now for a few shots taken in the 21st Century.

A short cut through the meadows, probably made more pleasant after the closure of the A14, brings one to the town's bus station. Cambus once served here.

For a few years, Huntingdon & District became the town's main operator. It's a long story!

Stagecoach is now in charge.

Other services are operated by Whippet, once independent, but now owned by Tower Transit of London.

Duncan's of Sawtry once ran this ex London DMS into Huntingdon.

Now for a bit of a look at Huntingdon's history. It was the birthplace of Oliver Cromwell and was once served by John Major as the town's MP. Right in the middle is the parish church, All Saints.

Now for a look at the town hall and the 'Thinking Soldier' war memorial.

Huntingdon lies on the River Great Ouse, as seen from the town bridge. The A14 used to cross here too, but no more.

The Old Bridge Hotel is conveniently placed here. It's a bit posh, but very pleasant and has good beer.

Huntingdon was once a brewing town. Marshall's is long since defunct.

Paine's of St. Neots used to own the Victoria, once the best pub in town, but now converted to housing.

A free house, the Samuel Pepys, is still in business and serves real ales.

One of my personal favourites is the Market Inn, a proper pub.

Another good pub, on and off the main square, the Falcon. It has real fires and real ales.

Finally, darkness had fallen, so we adjourn to the newish Wetherspoons, the Sandford House, a conversion of two adjoining buildings.

We'll leave Huntingdon behind us in the next post.