by the UK census, the only exception being in 1941 due to the Second World War. In the 19th century, the population ranged from 1,573 (in 1801) to 2,438 (recorded in 1861). The fastest growth, an 81% increase in population, was between 1981 and 1991 Population figures since 1911 are: All population census figures from report Historic Census figures Cambridgeshire to 2011 by Cambridgeshire Insight.https://www.citypopulation.de/en/uk/eastofengland/cambridgeshire/E34004422__godmanchester/ In 2011, the parish covered an area of and so the population density for Godmanchester in 2021 was 1008.5 persons per square mile (389.3 per square kilometre). By 2016 Godmanchester had a population of about 6800 in 3,100 homes; it is expected that this will further increase to at least 4050 homes and 8600 residents by 2036. Culture and community The town has a waterside location surrounded by open countryside of high value for its biodiversity, agricultural land value, scenic beauty and landscape quality. There are several bridges across the Great Ouse to Huntingdon. The Old Bridge, Huntingdon, a historic, medieval bridge, was the only road until 1975. In that year the original bypass route which is now used as a local road was built. Pedestrian traffic across the river is principally served by three additional footbridges. England's largest meadow Portholme may be accessed from Godmanchester or Huntingdon, but lies within the Parish of Brampton. It remains an important flood plain, but has served as an equestrian racecourse and centre for early aviation. To the North and East of the town are West and Eastside Common (SSSI), and Godmanchester Nature Reserve. These commons are intersected by The Ouse Valley Way and Pathfinder Way long-distance footpaths, and the route of a disused railway which connected the demolished Godmanchester Station and St Ives. South of the town centre are the headquarters and a large operational shelter of veterinary/rescue charity Wood Green Animal Shelters. A number of small businesses, plus DHL and Coop warehouses are situated on the southern edge of the town, on Chord Business park, Roman Way Industrial Estate and Cardinal Business Park. Original historical documents relating to Godmanchester, including the original church parish registers, local government records, maps, photographs and the surviving borough charters, are held by Cambridgeshire Archives and Local Studies at the County Record Office, Huntingdon. In October 2003, BBC1's Songs Of Praise was once again (previous transmission 1976) hosted by the parish church of St Mary the Virgin and featured the new