The maze is believed to have been created in 1660, when the monarchy was restored in England
Within a picturesque Cambridgeshire village is a unique part of the county’s history. 1660 was a big year for England, as the monarchy was restored, Samuel Pepys started his famous diary and the General Post Office was established.
Another significant event for Cambridgeshire was the creation of thr Hilton Maze in the picturesque village of Hilton, Huntingdonshire. Although it’s named as a maze, it’s in fact not a maze.
It is a labyrinth (not the singer), as it only has one path in the centre, while mazes have multiple paths. The Hilton Maze is one of eight historic turf ‘mazes’ that are still visible today across England.
It was created by William Sparrow in 1660, according to an obelisk at the centre of the maze. It is created by cutting grooves in turf to leave one long path.
It’s reported that William cut the maze to commemorate the restoration of the monarchy, as it was the year Charles II reclaimed the throne of England. However, it’s thought the maze could be older than first thought.
Historic England notes that Sparrow may have cut an earlier maze that was left unused during Oliver Cromwell’s suppression. In the years since Sparrow’s creation, the maze has been restored and re-cut.
The design has been slightly changed, with the most recent redesign taking place in 1967. Today, people aren’t able to walk the path of the maze, possibly to ensure its future.
