The village also developed into an important Roman town
The Romans had a stronghold in Cambridgeshire, but they also held occupied parts right on the county border. In neighbouring Essex, they also had a strong military presence. Particularly in the charming village of Great Chesterford, which borders Duxford, there used to be an important military Roman fort.
The fort is thought to be one of the earliest military sites in Roman Britain. It’s believed to date back to 43 AD during the campaign season of Aulus Plautius or later around the time of the Boudiccan revolt in 60 to 61 AD.
During its time, the fort would have been strategically important due to its position along an ancient trackway overseeing the Cam Valley, but also being positioned between two Roman roads.
Following excavations and aerial photographs being taken, the fort was discovered to measure around 36 acres. The first evidence that was found to link it back to the Roman times was a bronze trumpet mouthpiece, discovered in 1923.
The Roman military prominence was confirmed between 1948 and 1949 when a rescue operation during gravel quarrying discovered a military ditch. As well as having a Roman fort, Great Chesterford was a Roman town. The town featured a temple, defensive walls and extensive metalworking and trading activities.
Great Chesterford has much more on offer alongside its important Roman history. Visit Essex describes the area as a “quintessential English village with charming cottages”. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks along Icknfield Way, an ancient pathway with beautiful views of the River Cam.
Great Chesterford is also a great commuter village, as people can easily access Cambridge and London by train, and the M11 is close by. There are also buses to easily get to Saffron Walden.
With the village being so close to London, houses are quite pricey. The average price of houses in Great Chesterford range between £520,000 and £605,000.





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