People having been living in the village for nearly 2,000 years but despite that its only ever had just one pub
A small village on the edge of Cambridge has a large village green where an 800-year-old fair is held. The village of Reach has been inhabited for over 2,000 years.
It is very small, as according to the 2011 census, only around 300 people live there. When people first came to the village, it was known as Reche. Romans descended upon the villages in the late 40s of the first century.
There are still the remains of a Roman villa in the village today, on the right of an old railway bridge and approaching Swaffham Prior. There are also believed to be remains of another Roman building, but these have not been excavated.
Another important part of Reach’s Roman history is Devil’s Dyke, a significant earthwork within walking distance of Reach. This dyke, which is the largest ancient dyke in Cambridgeshire, covered three important Roman roads.
People can walk along its seven-mile route, starting in Reach, and walk the way Roman chariots would have travelled at one time. Alongside its impressive history, Reach is known for other great qualities.
In the centre of the village is a large village green, which is another part of its history. In 1201, King John granted a charter for the village to hold a fair.
Over the last 800 years, the village has held its annual fair on this large village green. It was originally held on Rogation Monday – days of prayer and fasting in western Christianity – however, it was moved to the early May bank holiday.
The next is due to take place on May 4, 2026. At the fair, the village comes together to see Maypole dancers perform, as well as a mayor’s procession, musical performances, games and much more.
Over the years, there have been many pubs that have come and gone in the village, with one remaining. The one that stayed is The Dyke’s End.
Not only is it popular with villagers, but also with walkers, as it is at one end of the Devil’s Dyke walk. The pub’s front garden overlooks the village green, making it the perfect spot to experience the village fair.
