Stow-cum-Quy: The origin of the place name Stow is uncertain since it variously means a holy place or somewhere associated with stones. The origin of Quy (pronounced like why with a 'k' in front) is more certain. The Old English word eg (pronounced like eye) derives from the Old Norse ey which means an island. In English place names it was adopted to mean a high piece of land surrounded by marsh or fenland. Here it is associated with a place where cows could graze safely and the two words Cow and eg gradually became truncated into Quy. So the whole place name means 'The stony or holy place next to the high ground where there are cows' or Cow Island.
The village is situated 5 miles East of the City of Cambridge lying between the Newmarket Road (B1303) and Burwell Road (B1102). It is just off the A14 via the Quy interchange and is about two miles from the Newmarket Road Park and Ride. There is a regular, hourly, bus service running between Cambridge and Newmarket passing through the neighbouring villages of Bottisham, Lode and Burwell. Nearby are a number of places of interest including the National Trust property of Anglesey Abbey and Quy Fen a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Another nearby conservation area is Wilbraham Fen and there are several picturesque walks around the village. Cycle access is good thanks to a number of recently built cycle paths.
The village has a population of around 500 and has a number of excellent facilities. The Church of St Mary's is a striking feature at the head of the village on Church Road. At the opposite end of the village is the Post Office and Village Stores which stocks a wide variety of produce and gifts as well as providing various other services. Close by is the recreation ground which has both football and cricket pitches with a pavilion and children's play area.
There are four licensed premises in the area. Quy Mill Hotel offers high class accommodation, a restaurant and large function facilities. The Wheatsheaf public house on Stow Road has pleasant open surroundings with a large restaurant. The White Swan on Main Street provides a separate restaurant with a wide ranging menu and a variety of real ales in the homely bar. The Prince Albert is a large public house at the edge of the village with a good range of beers and a pool table.
The Village Hall has recently been refurbished with excellent facilities. It is the venue for many village social groups and can be hired for parties and other general meetings. Primary and Secondary schools are available in the neighbouring village of Bottisham. Local garage facilities are available at Parkside Motors on Stow Road as well as an excellent range of used cars at Boss and Mervyn Smith motors.
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