The ancient Cambridgeshire village with 100 houses and pub owned by the community

The village features in the Domesday Book in 1086

While cities such as Cambridge and Peterborough are home to thousands of people, there are some villages where only hundreds live. One of the smaller villages in Cambridgeshire is Harlton, which is home to around 300 people.

The village was mentioned in the Domesday Book. In 1086, it had a recorded population of 20 households.

The village is home to one pub named The Hare and Hounds. The pub dates back to 1879, but it is believed the building may have been used as an ale house for a number of years before 1879.

This pub is special because it is owned by the community. In 2017, the local community pulled together in a campaign called ‘Help The Hare and Hounds’. A total of 160 people invested in shares in the pub as a Community Interest Company so they could take over ownership. The pub is now managed by tenants who were chosen by the CIC.

As well as the community-owned pub, Harlton is also home to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is the oldest building in the village. The church was built in the late 14th century and has been the place of worship for more than 650 years. The ties between the church and village are “strong”, according to Harlton Parish Council, and the church has hosted many events where the community has come together.

The streets are narrow and quiet, and feature timber-framed and thatched cottages, adding to the feel of a traditional village. Homes in Harlton have an average cost of around £493,000, with some homes costing up to £694,000.