History of Cherry Hinton Hall, Cambridge
Discover the Story of Cherry Hinton Hall
Tucked between the village of Cherry Hinton and the city of Cambridge, Cherry Hinton Hall is far more than just a local park. Its story stretches back through centuries of landscape change, social history, and community life - long before the Hall itself was even built.
This blog post introduces the full downloadable report on the history of Cherry Hinton Hall, which I’ve been researching and developing for many years. The version available here is based on the history section I originally wrote for the Cherry Hinton Hall Management Plan (2019), used in support of the successful Green Flag Award application.
From the medieval open fields of Cherry Hinton and the ancient flow of Hinton Brook, to the Victorian development of the Hall and its carefully landscaped grounds by surgeon John Okes, this report takes you through the fascinating evolution of the site. It charts how the estate changed hands, adapted through wartime and post-war use, and gradually transformed into a much-loved public space—home to everything from nursery schools to the internationally renowned Cambridge Folk Festival.
You’ll also find insights into local legends, historical maps, archaeological discoveries (including a lost watermill!), and a rich variety of photos and illustrations. There are stories of those who lived and worked at the Hall, personal memories, and reflections on the site's enduring role in village and city life.
Having grown up just down the road, with the Hall as a backdrop to my own childhood, this place means a great deal to me. I’m proud to serve as its official historian and to share this in-depth look at its story with you.
To explore the deeper history of Cherry Hinton Hall—and discover the layers of the past beneath one of Cambridge’s most beloved green spaces you can click on the button below to download the full report.
Comments:
Alan Sharkey
25/3/2021 05:50:39 pm
A lovely read. Thank you. Just one small point:
The picture of Charles Ball is dated c.1806. But he lived at the Hall until 1888. It seems to me that the picture must be dated much later otherwise he would be over 100 when he left with his daughters (assuming he was 26 when the picture was taken in 1806 - that would ut his birth date at 1780. If he was older, then his birth date would be even earlier).
Michelle Bullivant
25/3/2021 06:17:46 pm
Thank you :) and regarding the photograph, you are quite right - I have fixed the old guess and added a link to the source, now that I have found it. There is a great amount written about Charles Ball, which can be read by following the link - he is buried in Mill Road cemetery. Hope that helps
Joan Jeans
29/3/2021 06:15:29 pm
What an excellent and fascinating article, well done
Elizabeth Jennings
25/10/2021 05:54:42 pm
Lived off Cherry Hinton Road near the park i1970 -1984. During that time a statue was erected in the park and I am trying to find a picture of it. Can you help please
Michelle Bullivant
26/10/2021 10:55:49 am
Hi Elizabeth - there were several statues dotted around the park at that time because a company called Eastern Arts worked from the Hall buildings and had a few of their works placed in the park. The most prominent of those was the one that stood on a plinth in the grassy area in front of the Hall building, do you mean that one? It was grey coloured and curved with two holes in it. I will add some pictures of it on here this week and let you know when they are up. In the meantime you could watch this 1980's video clip of the Hall grounds which shows that statue and other things: https://youtu.be/FbCFWrLI7ro
Ian Mason
30/10/2024 08:38:42 pm
The hall was the home to the employment foundation scheme (e2e) before the language school took over. Then e2e moved in to the cottage next door, funded by Cambridge City Council
Don Lodge
29/1/2025 06:46:46 pm
I was at nursery school there around 1954. Used to bring cheese in to feed the tame mice in cages. Used to live in a prefab, 9 Walpole Road. Happy times in a post war world…