History of Lammas Land, Newnham, Cambridge (Newnham Park)
Exploring the History of Lammas Land, Newnham
For many, Lammas Land is a place of fond memories - lazy summer afternoons by the paddling pool, scenic walks along the water, or simply enjoying the open green space in the heart of Newnham. But this much-loved park has a fascinating history stretching back centuries, from medieval farmland to wartime allotments, and eventually, the public park we know today.
I recently compiled a detailed historical account of Lammas Land as part of a site management plan for Cambridge City Council, and I thought it would be great to share some of the discoveries with you here.
From Marshy Common to Community Park
Originally part of a vast area of marshy common land, Lammas Land, along with Sheep’s Green and Paradise, was historically used for grazing and agricultural purposes. The name 'Lammas' comes from historic common rights that allowed local people to pasture their animals on the land from August to April. These traditional rights helped protect the area from enclosure and later development, preserving its open character.
By the 19th century, Cambridge was rapidly expanding, and Newnham evolved from a small hamlet into a thriving residential area. The construction of the Fen Causeway in 1926 established the park’s northern boundary, and by the 1920s, the City Council had acquired the land to formally designate it as a public recreation ground.
A Site of Changing Uses
Lammas Land has seen many transformations over the years. In World War I and World War II, parts of the site were used for allotments to support the war effort, providing essential food supplies for local residents. During the early 20th century, debates raged over the need for a formal bathing area, as Snobs Stream and the River Cam had long been popular swimming spots. The famous paddling pool was added in the 1930s, quickly becoming a much-loved feature of the park.
The area has also faced threats, including a proposed relief road in the 1970s that would have cut across the park. Thankfully, community opposition helped to preserve Lammas Land as an essential green space for Newnham.
Bill, Lynsey and Michelle Bullivant, Lammas Land Play Park c.1982
A Living Landscape
Today, Lammas Land remains one of Cambridge’s most cherished parks, rich in both natural beauty and historical significance. Whether you’re visiting for a peaceful stroll, a picnic, or to explore its history, this green space is a reminder of how places evolve while still retaining their deep-rooted connections to the past.
For those who’d like to dive deeper into the full history of Lammas Land, including historic maps, fascinating newspaper archives, and more, you can read the full report by clicking the button below:
Do you have memories of Lammas Land? I’d love to hear them! Feel free to get in touch and share your stories, as I continue to explore the ever-evolving history of Newnham’s beloved green space.
Comments
Elizabeth Brown
8/6/2021 04:53:21 pm
Brilliant and informative article which answers lots of questions for me re. this much-loved area. Thank you!
Tim Burford
23/11/2022 03:23:32 pm
Very interesting, thank you. There are 4 'Newhams' in there that should be Newnham.
Can you confirm whether the Driftway is an adopted public highway? The county council is refusing to fix the potholes, saying it doesn't know who the owner is - which is odd as it leads to a public car park.
Michelle Bullivant
26/11/2022 06:34:30 pm
Dear Tim,
Thank you for getting in touch and for your comments. You are quite right, there were a couple of 'Newham's' that needed correcting, which I have now done, thank you for pointing them out. There were 2 needing correction but the other 2 were correct, as they were stated as they were written in quotes from old newspaper articles - the further back in history, the spelling of Newnham is often slightly different, depending on the source. So I have left those 2.
Regarding the Driftway, it is a continuing bone of contention and I am afraid that I do not have a quick or clear answer for you about this. Cambridge City Council will probably refer you to the Highways Agency. All I can do, is tell you the following basics from a historical point of view.
The road known today as The Driftway, is a continuation of Barton Road (A603) which runs off to the south west and follows what was an ancient prehistoric routeway, where further along its length near Barton Village towards Wimpole, it was metalled during the Roman period for use as a Roman military road.
The Driftway marks the parish boundary of Grantchester and Coton, to the north east of The Driftway the River Cam marked the parish boundary of Trumpington, and the boundary between the parishes of St Giles and St Mary the Less ran straight through the site in a north east, south west line. Together these parishes exercised a mixed Right of Common in this area.
I think this shared boundary, over common land, is half the issue. The public car park area that the Driftway leads to is entirely seperately owned land.
If you are chasing this matter up further, my only advice would be City Council first, Cambs Council next then the Highways Agency?
Best regards
Michelle
Tim Burford
26/11/2022 09:49:15 pm
Thanks for taking the time to reply in such details. I am making some progress with the city council!
Hugh Manning
14/2/2023 12:08:37 pm
Would be interested to know where the name Driftway comes from
Michelle Bullivant
16/2/2023 09:49:55 am
Thanks for the question Hugh. Driftway is a name use for cattle drove roads. We find them a lot around Cambridge, although, many have had their names changed as the use as a cattle road changed - for example , Queen Edith's Way near Addenbrooke’s Hospital used to be called Trumpington Drift. Driftway's indicate the old use of route ways, particularly during the medieval period. Here at Lammas Land - and the extended common land beyond - cattle would have been driven along these routes. Hope that helps.
Best regards, Michelle
Hugh Manning
16/2/2023 11:10:22 am
Thanks Michelle. Similarly Church Rate as in Church Rate Corner and Walk at the end of Malting Lane
Michelle Bullivant
16/2/2023 11:21:31 am
I am currently doing a little article on Church Rate Walk, so it's funny that you should ask! I'll try and get the article finished over the next week or so, then will post it on the Cambridgeshire section and I'll let you know so that you can find out more about that :)