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Welcome to Cambridge
Cambridge is not a very big town but it is home to the second-oldest university in England. Twenty percent of the population comprised of students coming from all over the country and as from all over the world.
Cambridge is a very scenic town, the River Cam runs through the centre of Cambridge boosting the business setups around that place which is the favourite spot for some old-fashioned punting (a betting game played on the banks of the river).
The administrative centre of the county of Cambridgeshire, Cambridge is also made famous by the University of Cambridge which has attracted students for almost 800 years. The University includes the renowned Cavendish Laboratory, the King's College chapel, and the Cambridge University Library.
This quaint University City not only has wonderfully impressive architecture but also houses some breathtaking art galleries and museums to explore.
Geography:
Cambridge is situated in Cambridgeshire, East central England, and lies approximately 50 miles north-northeast of London and is surrounded by a number of smaller towns and villages. Silicon Fen, reputed for being the leading high-technology centre of Britain, also forms the centre of the city.
The Population is approximately 110,656 and about 20% are students of the University.
Brief History
Cambridge was the original site of a Roman military camp, and was an administrative and trading centre in Anglo-Saxon times. However the modern city of Cambridge was founded in 875 when the Danes conquered Eastern England, who created a fortified town called a burgh (borough is derived from this word).
The School of Pythagoras, founded in 1200 was one of the first educational establishments in Cambridge. The building still stands in the grounds of St. John's College, Cambridge.
The university was founded in the 13th century when students escaping from the violence in Oxford fled to Cambridge and formed a University there in 1209. The first college was Wendyhouse which founded 1078, and later came to be known as Peterhouse.
From the late 19th century a new industry of making scientific instruments grew up and there were a number of improvements made in Cambridge during this period. Fitzwilliam Museum was founded in 1816 by Viscount Fitzwilliam and Cambridge gained gas light in 1823.
Cambridge University also continued to expand in the 20th century with the founding of Hughes Hall in 1949. New Hall was founded in 1954 and a host of new colleges also came into existence inlcluding Churchill (1960), Darwin (1964), Lucy Cavendish (1965), Wolfson (1965), Fitzwilliam (1966)and Robinson (1979). Sedgwick Museum of Geology was founed in 1904. The Scott Polar Research Institute came into being in 1920.
However, despite having a large University, Cambridge was granted its city charter only in 1951.
Transport
Cambridge has a congested road network. It's the final destination of the M11 motorway from east London. The A14 is a major freight route connecting the port of Felixstowe on the east coast with the Midlands, North Wales, the west coast and Ireland. Its east-west trunk route skirts the northern edge of the city. These are the two most important road networks connected to Cambridge.
Cambridge railway station links to King's Cross (via Hitchin and the East Coast Main Line) and Liverpool Street (via the West Anglia Main Line) stations in London. It is also linked to the cities of Kings Lynn and Ely (via the Fen Line), Norwich (via the Breckland Line), Liverpool, Birmingham, Ipswich and as well as London Stansted Airport.
Cambridge City Airport which can accommodate an unladen Boeing 747 or MD-11, has no regular scheduled service and is mostly used by business and leisure flights but Cambridge is within easy reach of all of London's international airports.
Main Places of Attraction
King's College Chapel
The most visited attraction in Cambridge, the architecture of King's College Chapel towers above the town boasting of its world-famous choir which have spread its reputation across the World.
Queens' College
Founded by Margaret of Anjou in 1448 and Elizabeth Woodville in 1465, the College stretches across both sides of the Cam, linked by the famous Mathematical Bridge.
Anglesey Abbey
Dating back to 1600, houses a unique collection of paintings and art, inculding notable works by Claude Lorraine.
The Bridge of Sighs
Inspired by the famous bridge in Venice over which condemned prisoners sighed as they were led to their deaths. The bridge is best viewed from St John's Old Bridge.
The Fitzwilliam Museum
Collections include antiquities from Ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece, Asiatic cultures and Cyprus; applied arts, including sculpture, furniture, clocks and rugs; rare illuminated manuscripts and books as well as many paintings, drawings and prints.
The Botanic Gardens
A nineteenth century botanic garden with a lake, a stream and rock gardens. The botanic garden holds 9 National Collections.
Cambridge Brass Rubbing
Housed by the Round Church, over 90 different facsimile brasses with exact copies of brass memorials from the tombs of medieval and Tudor knights and ladies.
Popular Festivals and Events
Rag Carnival Procession
Held in late February, this college festival takes place in central Cambridge.
Cambridge Science Week
Held in mid-March, leading experts hold talks, lectures, and demonstrations across Cambridge discussing on a wide range of scientific subjects.
Cambridge Beer Festival
Held in late May at Jesus Green. This Beer festival features over 120 real ales, more than 60 foreign beers, ciders, English wines and a vast assortment of food.
Cambridge Film Festival
Held in June annualy, the Cambridge Film Festival at the Arts Picture House shows a good number of movies -150 in all- including lectures and masterclasses, some free screenings, a children's section and a number of special events.
Cambridge Folk Festival
Held this month, the best traditional folk artists from the UK and Ireland perform with more contemporary acts, including the finest American country, blues and roots artists, and acclaimed singer songwriters.
St. Ives Music and Arts Festival
Held late next month, this popular music and arts festival is held in St. Ives.
Duxford Flying Show
Held in early September, with many spectacular demonstrations at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford
The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Held on December 24th, this festival features a Christmas concert held at King's College Chapel.
Hotels in Cambridge, UK
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