The name of Fulbourn is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word Fugolburna'. meaning 'A stream frequented by birds'. It is situated 4 miles E.S.E. of Cambridge City centre.

The parish has an enclosed area of 5,270 acres and a population of 4,732 (from the 2001 Census). The parish boundary's northernmost point is where the Caudle Ditch joins the Little Wilbraham River and is the lowest area of the parish being 7.5 metres (25ft.) above sea level. To the west of the parish, where the Roman Road entrance joins the Fulboum to Shelford Road, is the highest ground in the parish at a height of 68 metres (222 ft.).

The site of the early village is believed to have been to the east of St. Vigor's church where at least three Manor houses once stood. This area now mostly belongs to the Townley Manor Estate. Most of the modem village has expanded westwards towards Cambridge since the 1960's and many open areas within the village envelope have since been infilled with new estates and cul-de-sacs. The village High Street is reputed to be one of the shortest in the county, but does have a reasonable selection of shops. Three public houses survive, but there were around fifteen in the early 20th Century.

Other social meeting places include the new Fulboum Centre at Home End and The Community Centre at Haggis Gap, although the latter building, once the village Infants School, is shortlisted to be demolished and re-built along with the Windmill Estate. 

The first Parish Council Meeting under the 'Local Government Act 1894' was held in Fulboum in December 1894 and eleven councillors were elected from seventeen candidates. We now have a requirement for fifteen councillors who are elected every four years