Godmanchester was first chartered by King John in 1212, though it had been a market town and royal manor for some years. There is archaeological evidence of Celtic and earlier habitation prior to the establishment of a key Roman town and a Mansio (inn), so the area has probably been continuously occupied for more than 2000 years. This was near where we lived in Huntindon and we used to visit it often. Our boys use to play in the park. We loved it.