Soham can be explored through three specific themes: the history at the site of St Andrew's Church, the development of Northfield Windmill and the waterways of Soham Mere and the Soham Lode. Together, they show different sides of the town. For a stay, you can choose between church history, milling history and landscape. The timespan is particularly revealing: an early Christian tradition sits alongside a church building from the early 12th century and a mill with several distinct phases of development.

Church History and Remembrance

At the site of St Andrew's Church, St Felix founded an abbey in 631 AD; it is said to have been endowed by Sigeberht, King of East Anglia. Christian services have been held at the church site for more than 1,300 years; St Andrew's Church itself dates from the early 12th century. The Church of St Andrew is a Grade I listed building. A plaque in the church commemorates the marriage of Olaudah Equiano and Susannah Cullen there on 7 April 1792. The dates refer to different events: 631 to the founding of the abbey, the early 12th century to the church building, and 1792 to the marriage. This keeps the founding history, building history and personal remembrance distinct in time.

Northfield Windmill: Use and Design

Northfield Windmill adds another chapter to this history, with a different story of development. Originally a smock windmill from the early 18th century, it was used for drainage. In the 19th century, it was moved to its present site and raised on a brick base. Today it is a three-storey corn mill. While the church’s history spans several centuries, the mill can be understood through comparisons between its original use, relocation and present form.

Soham Mere, the Lode and Walks

Soham Mere is documented from the 11th century. The Soham Lode carries the water of the River Snail, a chalk stream, through the town. The Mere therefore offers a long historical perspective, while the Lode shows how water flows through Soham and connects it to the River Snail. This broadens the view from buildings to the town’s waterscape.

The section of the Fen Edge Trail from Soham to Fordham follows the Soham Lode. If you plan to include it in your visit, check the path conditions beforehand. Soham Heritage & Tourism runs selected walks for groups and organisations throughout the year; booking is required. These offer different options for your plans: the trail involves checking conditions on a specific section, while the walks are a bookable activity for groups.

Discover more destinations: Little Stukeley, Croydon, Hardwick, Whittlesey, Cambridge, Brinkley, Huntingdon, Manea

For the broader travel overview: Cambridgeshire.