A monastery was founded here by Felix of Burgundy in the 6th century but this was later destroyed by the Danes.
The town narrowly escaped destruction on June 2, 1944, during the Second World War, when a fire developed on the lead wagon of a heavy ammunition train travelling slowly along the line through the town. The town was saved by the bravery of three railway staff, Ben Gimbert, Jim Nightall, and Frank Bridges, who uncoupled the rest of the train and drove the engine and lead wagon clear of the town, where it exploded, killing them but causing no other deaths. Although small in comparison to what would have happened if the entire train had blown up, the explosion caused substantial property damage. Gimbert and Nightall were awarded the George Cross.
Soham has a Village College, one of a number of secondary schools of a type unique to Cambridgeshire. It also includes a 12th century church - The cruciform church, which has a peal of ten bells.
In 2002/2003 Soham became the centre of international media attention due to the murder of two local schoolgirls, Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman (see Soham murders). Ian Huntley, a caretaker from the local college was later found guilty of their murders.
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