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Cambridge

Cambridge was originally just a sleepy little country village until 1209 when a dispute arose in
Oxford between the scholars and the townsfolk. The scholars moved to Cambridge and founded
what is now the third oldest university in the world – after Bologna and Oxford.

Concerned to avoid the same kind of conflict – student resentment at poor quality lodgings and
townsfolk disturbed by riotous, drunken behaviour – the new campus was created around the idea
of individual colleges that were built initially as fortified manors with their own chapel, dining hall,
library and even a brewery.

Today there are 31 colleges, the most recent, Homerton, achieving full college status in 2010.

Read more about Cambridge University . . .

Things to see and do in Cambridge:

There’s no question that the best way to see Cambridge is on foot, but the only way to get into the
colleges themselves is to take an official walking tour. Bit of a bummer, but the local tourist
organisation has cornered the market. Get more details here . . .

You can, however, get a good look at the town by
doing a walking tour on your own.

Or get your own walking itinerary here . . .

Kings College Chapel (pictured) is part of one of the
oldest colleges in the town, founded by Henry VI in
1441. It is an example of exquisite design and fine
English craftsmanship – especially the fan-vault ceiling. It was started by Henry VI and finished by
Henry VIII during his marriage to Anne Boleyn. Halfway down the chapel you walk through a
carved screen. Look for a carved letter A intertwined with an H. That didn’t end at all well for her,
however.

Look also for Rueben’s masterpiece “The Adoration of the Magi”

Definitely, a must visit.

Other notable buildings:

Clare College – a beautifully proportioned building but not one designed by an architect, Instead,
it was designed by a stonemason, Thomas Grumbold, and built by him and his brother, Robert,
and bricklayer John Westley. It is the second oldest college in the city, after Peterhouse

Fitzwiliam Museum described by the Standing Commission on Museums & Galleries in 1968 as
“one of the greatest art collections of the nation and a monument of the first importance”. Among
the art collection are works by Titian, Veronese and Palma Vecchio. There’s also a series of
Rembrandt’s etchings, medieval manuscripts and a collection of autographed music by Handel,
Purcell and other composers which has guaranteed the Museum a place of prominence among
the music libraries of the world. The museum also features an extensive collection of ancient
Greek, Roman, Asiatic and Egyptian treasures.

The Round Church. Formally called the Church of The Holy Sepulchre, it is one of the oldest
buildings in Cambridge, dating back to 1130. It is one of only four round churches in England –
most other churches are cross shaped.