Soham
From Free net encyclopedia
- For the Sanskrit word see Soham
| Soham | |
|---|---|
| OS Grid Reference: | Template:Gbmappingsmall |
| Lat/Lon: | Template:Coor dm NW |
| Population: | 9,102 (2001 Census) |
| Dwellings: | 3,771 (2001 Census) |
| Formal status: | Town |
| Administration | |
| County: | Cambridgeshire |
| Region: | East Anglia |
| Nation: | England |
| Post Office and Telephone | |
| Post town: | Ely |
| Postcode: | CB7 |
| Dialling Code: | 01353 |
Template:GBdot Soham is a small town in the English county of Cambridgeshire. It lies just off the A142 between Ely and Newmarket (Suffolk). Its population is 9,102 (2001 census), and it is within the district of East Cambridgeshire.
Contents |
History
A monastery was founded here by Felix of Burgundy in the 6th century but this was later destroyed by the Danes. The village today has a 12th century cruciform church, which has a peal of ten bells.
The first black British author, Olaudah Equiano, lived there.
Soham Village College is one of a number of secondary schools of a type unique to Cambridgeshire.
Tragic incidents
By an unfortunate co-incidence, despite its small size and relatively undistinguished nature, the village of Soham has twice become very well known nationally in connection with tragic incidents.
The Soham Rail Disaster
The town narrowly escaped destruction on June 2, 1944, during the Second World War, when a fire developed on the lead wagon of a heavy ammunition train travelling slowly along the line through the town. The town was saved by the bravery of three railway staff, Ben Gimbert, Jim Nightall, and Frank Bridges, who uncoupled the rest of the train and drove the engine and lead wagon clear of the town, where it exploded, killing them but causing no other deaths. Although small in comparison to what would have happened if the entire train had blown up, the explosion caused substantial property damage. Gimbert and Nightall were awarded the George Cross.
The Soham Murders
In 2002 and 2003 Soham became the centre of international media attention due to the murder of two local schoolgirls, Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman. Ian Huntley, a caretaker from the local college was later found guilty of their murders.
See also
External links
- Soham On-Line Community Website (used as a reference)
- 2001 Census
- Soham Roots contains local history and genealogical resources