The ancient county town of Huntingdon developed where the Roman Ermine Street crossed the Great Ouse. From the days of the marching legions until recently when it was largely pedestrianised and bypassed, the High Street was part of a national highway. The river, too, was a highway to and from the coast, as well as powering mills and recreation for the townsfolk. Commercial activities included agriculture, brewing and the manufacture of carriages, cars and aircraft. The author also covers the social life of the town from the labourers to the nobility.