March, Cambridgeshire
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| March | |
|---|---|
| OS Grid Reference: | Template:Gbmappingsmall |
| Lat/Lon: | Template:Coor dm NE |
| Population: | 19042 (2001 Census) |
| Dwellings: | 8290 (2001 Census) |
| Formal status: | Town |
| Administration | |
| County: | Cambridgeshire |
| Region: | East Anglia |
| Nation: | England |
| Post Office and Telephone | |
| Post town: | March |
| Postcode: | PE15 |
| Dialling Code: | 01354 |
Template:GBdot March is a historic market town in the Cambridgeshire fens, on the river Nene. It is run by Fenland District Council (which is based in the town), and lies on the rail route between Peterborough and Ely.
A tradition in Cambridge is for a group of academics and students to gather in March during the third month of each year, and walk briskly back to Cambridge, pausing at numerous convenient hostelries. This event is known as the March March march (http://www.bath.ac.uk/~masgks/march.html).
History
Modern March lies on the path of the Roman Road the Fen Causeway and there is evidence of roman settlements in the area.
Before the draining of the fens, the town was effectively an island in the marshy fens. It was formed from two settlements, Merche and Mercheford, separated by a canal. At one time shipping on the River Nene provided the basis of the town's trade, but this declined with coming of the railway in the 19th century.
March is also home to HM Prison Whitemoor.
See also
External links
- 2001 Census (http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/9CEEC489-6AF9-4CA1-BEAD-9837E78D1200/0/March.pdf)