Cambridge and University
Mankind has inhabited the site whereon modern Cambridge stands for many centuries. Bronze and Iron Age settlements occupied the site BC as did the Romans in the 1st century AD when they constructed a fort on Castle Hill. During the Dark Ages conquering Danes founded a fortified township here called a burgh (modern day 'borough').
In the early Middle Ages Cambridge was known as Granta Bridge after the nearby River Granta. As time elapsed the 'gr' changed to 'c' and the 'nt' to 'm', thus the River Cam came into existence flowing beside Cam Bridge, a bridge that had existed since at least 875AD. Cambridge prospered because of its close proximity to the Cam, which in turn flowed into the Great Ouse and onto the sea at King's Lynn. It was cheaper and quicker to transport goods by water than by land and the River Cam became the principal trade route through the Fens. Wine, salt and fish were imported while grains were exported via London, which lies 60 miles to the south of Cambridge.
Cambridge University, founded in 1209, is the second oldest university in the English speaking world and widely considered one of the world's most elite universities. Its famous Colleges and University buildings attract visitors world wide, while its museums and collections hold many treasures. These latter provide an intriguing insight into scholarly activities both past and present.
Initially, the university students were made very unwelcome by townspeople despite them providing a ready source of revenue for shopkeepers. Local shopkeepers and craftsmen made a habit of overcharging students for their wares, which culminated in a serious conflict between 'town and gown' in 1262. The outcome of this affray was 16 townspeople being hanged. Understandably, the hangings exacerbated the situation, especially as the University acquired ownership of large tracts of the town. This resulted in a series of anti-student riots in 1304, 1322 and again in 1371. Eventually the town bailiffs were forced to swear a Royal Oath to uphold the university privileges, an oath they bitterly resented.
The Middle Ages witnessed the founding of the first university colleges. Peterhouse in 1284, Clare College in 1326, Pembroke in 1347, Gonville and Caius in 1348, Trinity Hall in 1350 and Corpus Christi in 1352. Many more were to follow in the 15th century and onward. One of the most famous buildings of the university is the Gothic splendour of King's College Chapel of King's College founded in 1441 by a young King Henry V!. Originally all students were male and it wasn't until the latter half of the 19th century that women obtained their own colleges at Girton in 1869 and Newnham in 1872. With all schools of architecture, from Gothic to Modern, represented in the college buildings the city is a magnet for anyone interested in British history. This coupled with the traditional sights of weaving punts, May Balls and gowned cyclists has helped create a romantic image of Cambridge known the world over.
Much new building also occurred in the town of Cambridge, especially throughout the latter portion of the 18th century. These included the Shire Hall in 1747, a new Guildhall in 1782 and the imposing Senate House in 1730. The renowned Addenbrokes Hospital was opened in 1766 and in the early 19th century became a school of medicine. The intriguing Mathematical Bridge at Queens College, designed by William Etheridge, was constructed in 1749 and has a famous myth attached. It was supposedly built by Sir Isaac Newton holding itself together without need of bolt or screw, then taken apart by inquisitive students who were unable to reassemble it without recourse to bolts and screws. A false story however, as the bridge was constructed 22 years after Newton's death.
In 1951 Cambridge acquired the status of 'city' and its university, not now dominating the town in the way it had in earlier centuries, continued to expand. New colleges like Churchill in 1960 and Darwin in 1964 took the current college count to 31. In 2009 the University of Cambridge will celebrate its 800th anniversary.