Cambridgeshire history

Cambridgeshire was first settled by the English at about the 6th century by bands of Engles. During the Danish occupation of the 9th century the district possessed a certain military and political organization round Cambridge. On the expulsion of the Danes by Edward in the 10th century it was included in East Anglia, but in the 11th century was again overrun by the Danes, who in the course of their devastations burnt Cambridge.

From the time of Hereward's famous resistance to William the Conqueror in the fen-district, the Isle of Ely was intimately concerned with the great political struggles of the country. It was defended against King Stephen by Bishop Nigellus of Ely. Then, during the struggles between John and his barons, Cambridge Castle surrendered to the barons.

The Isle of Ely was seized by the followers of Simon de Montfort in 1266, but in 1267 was taken by Prince Edward. In the Civil War of the 17th century Cambridgeshire was one of the associated counties in which the King had no visible party, although the University assisted him with contributions of plate and money.