Huntingdon grew up around a crossing on the beautiful River Great Ouse. Today, the Riverside Park is a perfect area to watch boats pass by. In Norman times, the town had sixteen churches but fell into decline around the time of the Black Death. In the 18th century, Huntingdon prospered again as an important staging post for travellers on the Great North Road. The historic core is still intact, with many fine Georgian buildings to be seen. Oliver Cromwell's former school is now a museum, which offers a fascinating insight into the Lord Protector's life. Samuel Pepys lived at nearby Brampton and Katherine of Aragon was sent to Buckden Towers in July 1533 after the annulment of her marriage to King Henry VIII. However, in 1534 Katherine was moved to the more comfortable residence of Kimbolton Towers where she lived until her death on 7 January 1536. Nearby the historic market towns of Godmanchester, Ramsey, St Ives and St Neots are also worth a visit.