St. Neots
St Neots dates back to the founding of a Saxon priory, built on the outskirts of Eynesbury, in 974AD. The name of the town comes from the Cornish saint, whose remains were interred in the priory some time before the Norman Conquest.
In approximately 1081, the monastery was re-established as a Benedictine priory, and for over four centuries, the priory flourished. Charters were granted by Henry I at the start of the 12th century to hold fairs and markets, and these, together with the building of the first bridge over the Great Ouse in 1180, added to the town's growing importance and prosperity.
St Neots still retains its character as a country market town and the Market Square is one of the largest and most ancient of its kind in the country, dating back to the 12th century. A market has been held upon this square every Thursday since its foundation. In the centre of the square is the Day Column.
The Day Column was erected in 1822, by John Day, a local brewer. At one time during the 19th century, it dispensed medicinal water piped from the local spa.
Explore the history of St Neots on foot and take either a guided or a self-guided tour of the town. Alternatively, visit the town's Museum. Housed in the former magistrates' court/police station it tells the story of St Neots from prehistoric times to the present day.
Paxton Pits Nature Reserve at Little Paxton, St Neots, comprises 75 hectares of gravel pits, meadows, scrub and woodland next to the River Great Ouse. There is a wealth of wildlife to enjoy all year round, and a network of marked paths. During May there are large numbers of Nightingales and many species of orchid can be found in the meadows.
You might like to join in with the St Neots Folk Festival, or Booze on the Ouse at the St Neots Beer Festival. There's a variety of events in the area throughout the year.
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