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MAC Cambridge - The Heart of Cambridge
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The following tour takes visitors round the city centre and passes 11 of Cambridge University's colleges. These colleges are private institutions but they are open to the public. Some charge admission, and some are only open limited hours of the day. Groups of more than six can only enter the colleges when accompanied by a blue-badged tourist guide from the Tourist Information Centre.

This tour begins and ends at the front of the Guildhall, the headquarters of Cambridge City Council, which looms over the crowded market place. This market has been at the heart of the city for over 1,000 years.

Follow Peas Hill south, past St Edward's Church, one of the centres of the English Protestant reformation, and right into Bene’t Street. On the right-hand side, the Eagle Public Housewith a Tudor courtyard and the Air Force Bar bearing the graffiti of Second World War aircrew. Opposite the Eagle, St Bene’t's Church, the oldest building in the city. The tower is Anglo-Saxon.

Take Free School Lane (to the left of the church). To your left, the Cavendish Laboratories, scene of major scientific discoveries including the splitting of the atom and the identification of DNA. Over the high wall to the right is Corpus Christi College. Turn right at the end of the street into Botolph Lane, leading down to the main road.

You're now standing near the site of Trumpington Gate, in medieval times the southern entrance to the city. The church beside you is St Botolph's, dedicated to the patron saint of travellers. Turn left into Trumpington Street. The first college on your left is Pembroke College (1347). The chapel was architect Christopher Wren's first commission. Across the road, Peterhouse (1284). This is the oldest college in Cambridge.

Take time to look into the church beside Little St Mary's. Look for the memorial on the interior north wall. It is dedicated to Godfrey Washington, great uncle of George Washington, and the family crest bears the stars and stripes which now adorn the US flag.

Follow the path down the side of Little St Mary's, which takes you to the riverside, and then turn right and walk up to Silver Street Bridge. From here, you can see the wooden Mathematical Bridge of Queen's College. Take Silver Street back into the centre. When you see St Botolph's Church, turn left.

Just past the church is is Corpus Christi College, founded in 1352. Though not the oldest college, its Old Court is the oldest surviving college courtyard, giving the visitor an idea of how the early institutions looked; opposite Corpus Christi is St Catharine's College (1473). The livery stable of Thomas Hobson once stood outside its gates. He hired his coach horses by strict rotation, the customer having no say in the selection, giving us the saying “Hobson's choice”, meaning no choice at all.







Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

Cambridge Tourist Information Centre


Tours, trips and trinkets
The Old Library
Wheeler Street
Cambridge CB2 3QB
United Kingdom
+44 1223 32 2640
http://www.cambridge.gov.uk/le...
This office, located in the Victorian library, should be the first stop for all visitors to the city. The multilingual staff can give advice on attractions in the Cambridge area, as well as the rest of Great Britain. The office contains public transport timetables, visitor brochures and events' guides. The gift shop is well-stocked. The Tourist Information Office can also book accommodation in Cambridge and further afield, though a fee is charged for this service. Guided walking tours of the city leave daily from here. Lasting two hours, these are the perfect introduction to the history of Cambridge and its university.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Corpus Christi College


The oldest college court in Oxbridge
Trumpington Street
Cambridge CB2 1RH
United Kingdom
+44 1223 33 8000
http://www.corpus.cam.ac.uk/
Corpus Christi College was founded in 1352 by two citizen guilds in Cambridge, something of an anomaly given the wealthy patrons of most other colleges. The college crest, a pelican plucking her breast and feeding the blood to her young, is a popular symbol of Jesus Christ's sacrifice. Entering New Court, the visitor will see, to the right, the Parker Library, established by Elizabeth I's Archbishop of Canterbury, Matthew Parker. His interfering disposition gave English the term "nosy parker". A passageway to the left leads to Old Court, the oldest surviving college court in all of Cambridge (and Oxford). Famous alumni include Christopher Marlowe and Christopher Isherwood. Wheelchair users should note that there are some steps. The college has unpredictable opening hours. Admission: free

Review © 2007, Wcities
Corpus Christi College photo by Dan Rosen
Photo: Dan Rosen
Corpus Christi College photo by Jerzy Kociatkiewicz
Photo: Jerzy Kociatkiewicz
Corpus Christi College photo by *Debs*
Photo: *Debs*
Corpus Christi College photo by Tim Clements
Photo: Tim Clements
Corpus Christi College photo by Alison Parks
Photo: Alison Parks
Corpus Christi College photo by Lorna Brown
Photo: Lorna Brown
Corpus Christi College photo by lanire
Photo: lanire
Corpus Christi College photo by easton_olson
Photo: easton_olson
Corpus Christi College photo by Mark Goody
Photo: Mark Goody
Corpus Christi College photo by profslynn
Photo: profslynn
Corpus Christi College photo by Dan Tullos
Photo: Dan Tullos
Corpus Christi College photo by stacie slotnick
Photo: stacie slotnick
Corpus Christi College photo by mffitzgerald
Photo: mffitzgerald
Corpus Christi College photo by Abel Garcia
Photo: Abel Garcia
Corpus Christi College photo by Karen Kronick
Photo: Karen Kronick
Corpus Christi College photo by Joel Dacks
Photo: Joel Dacks
Corpus Christi College photo by William Knight
Photo: William Knight
Corpus Christi College photo by Rachel Leow
Photo: Rachel Leow
Corpus Christi College photo by Skywalker in Cambrid
Photo: Skywalker in Cambrid
Corpus Christi College photo by Sarah Grice
Photo: Sarah Grice
Corpus Christi College photo by Ana Laura Villega
Photo: Ana Laura Villega
Corpus Christi College photo by Matt Prescott
Photo: Matt Prescott
Corpus Christi College photo by Yucheng Feng
Photo: Yucheng Feng
Corpus Christi College photo by Nicola Kingston
Photo: Nicola Kingston
Corpus Christi College photo by Christopher M. Smith
Photo: Christopher M. Smith
Corpus Christi College photo by Manh Hung Hoang
Photo: Manh Hung Hoang
Corpus Christi College photo by Ritesh Tendulkar
Photo: Ritesh Tendulkar
Corpus Christi College photo by Matt Ager
Photo: Matt Ager
Corpus Christi College photo by kranglemeister
Photo: kranglemeister
Corpus Christi College photo by Broads Marshman
Photo: Broads Marshman
Corpus Christi College photo by Sean Hickin
Photo: Sean Hickin
Corpus Christi College photo by Hahnming Lee
Photo: Hahnming Lee
Corpus Christi College photo by Richard Celley
Photo: Richard Celley
Corpus Christi College photo by alex.cokewoods
Photo: alex.cokewoods
Corpus Christi College photo by Ken K. C. Tsang
Photo: Ken K. C. Tsang
 

 
Eagle


Soar in for a golden pint
8 Bene't Street
Cambridge CB2 3QN
United Kingdom
+44 1223 50 5020
Housed in an old stone front building, The Eagle was once the most important coaching inn in Cambridge and its history is on display throughout its five large rooms (including one non-smoking). The decor features medieval wall paintings, fireplaces and paneling from the 16th century, and the signatures of British and American World War II airmen on the ceiling. The pub's friendly atmosphere and central location means draws a good crowd.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Eagle photo by Howard Chalkley
Photo: Howard Chalkley
 

 
Guided Walking Tours (Blue Badge Tours)


They came, they saw the city
Tourist Information Centre
Wheeler Street
Cambridge CB2 3QB
United Kingdom
+44 1223 45 7574
http://www.cambridge.gov.uk/cc...
The Tourist Information Centre walking tours give an excellent introduction to Cambridge's history and culture. The two-hour walks are led by knowledgeable guides – they must pass a rigorous exam before being awarded their blue badge. The guide's commentary (in English) includes a broad history of the city and its university, plus the hidden stories of the colleges, churches and alley-ways. Each tour is restricted to 20 people, so visitors are advised to buy tickets in advance (up to 24 hours before). Private tours can also be arranged, and are offered in a variety of languages. The route, time and theme of the tour can be tailored to suit individual needs, including combined walking/punt tours and coach tours. There are additional tours at 10:30a (Monday to Saturday, July & August), 11:30a (Monday to Saturday, from October until March), and 2:30p (Sunday to Saturday, from June until August). Prices: These vary greatly and depend on the numbers in a group, length of time and routes.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Little St Mary's Church (Church of England)


Historic church and memorial to Washington family
Trumpington Street
Cambridge CB2 1QY
United Kingdom
+44 1223 36 6202
http://www.ely.anglican.org/pa...
The site of Little St Mary's Church was originally the home of St Peter's Church, which lives on in the name of the neighbouring college, Peterhouse. The whitewashed walls, long windows and painted roof beams give the church a bright and airy feel. On the north wall is a monument to the former vicar of the parish, Godfrey Washington, who was the great uncle of the first US president, George Washington. The family coat-of-arms, a black eagle atop a shield of red stars and stripes, adorns the tablet.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Little St Mary's Church (Church of England) photo by Helen Wright
Photo: Helen Wright
 

 
Market Square


Lively bargains
Market Street
Cambridge CB2 3QJ
United Kingdom
+44 1223 45 7315
http://www.cambridgemarkets.co...
On the north and east sides of Market Square you will find shops and college accommodations; to the west, there is Great St Mary's Church, and behind it, King's College Chapel, the Old Schools and the Senate House. The market place has been here for centuries, once taking up all the area between Great St Mary's Church (Church of England), St Edward's Church (Church of England), St Andrew the Great and Holy Trinity (Church of England) churches. From Monday to Saturday the stall holders sell their wares: fresh produce, cut flowers, second-hand books, clothing, soap and souvenirs. On Sundays the square features an art and craft market and local farmers' stalls.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Market Square photo by sushiesque
Photo: sushiesque
Market Square photo by tzadeng
Photo: tzadeng
Market Square photo by Dean Van Gramberg
Photo: Dean Van Gramberg
Market Square photo by Tim Dawkins
Photo: Tim Dawkins
Market Square photo by Cedric Escoriza
Photo: Cedric Escoriza
Market Square photo by Roshanthi
Photo: Roshanthi
Market Square photo by Shelly Childers
Photo: Shelly Childers
Market Square photo by adkvincent
Photo: adkvincent
Market Square photo by Ian Foster
Photo: Ian Foster
 

 
Pembroke College


Chapel by Christopher Wren
Trumpington Street
Cambridge CB2 1RF
United Kingdom
+44 1223 33 8100
http://www.pem.cam.ac.uk/
Third oldest of the Cambridge colleges, Pembroke was founded in 1347 by Marie de Valence, widow of the Earl of Pembroke. The most notable building in Pembroke is the chapel, completed in 1665. It was the debut commission of architect Christopher Wren, who went on to design St Paul's Cathedral in London. From the chapel, one can also head for the clock tower of the library with its glittering clock. Admission: free

Review © 2007, Wcities
Pembroke College photo by Lin Mei
Photo: Lin Mei
Pembroke College photo by Thomas L. Strickland
Photo: Thomas L. Strickland
Pembroke College photo by Andrew Walkingshaw
Photo: Andrew Walkingshaw
Pembroke College photo by Lee Baines
Photo: Lee Baines
Pembroke College photo by Matt Farrow
Photo: Matt Farrow
Pembroke College photo by Cécile Devarenne
Photo: Cécile Devarenne
Pembroke College photo by Ed Brambley
Photo: Ed Brambley
Pembroke College photo by aditya_dg77
Photo: aditya_dg77
Pembroke College photo by stu smith
Photo: stu smith
Pembroke College photo by Duncan Wilson
Photo: Duncan Wilson
Pembroke College photo by josh schoenwald
Photo: josh schoenwald
Pembroke College photo by Eric Jägle
Photo: Eric Jägle
Pembroke College photo by Daniel Demoray
Photo: Daniel Demoray
Pembroke College photo by Yun Xin Lim
Photo: Yun Xin Lim
Pembroke College photo by Craig Woythaler
Photo: Craig Woythaler
Pembroke College photo by MattLake
Photo: MattLake
Pembroke College photo by Christina Fisher
Photo: Christina Fisher
Pembroke College photo by Doug Anderson
Photo: Doug Anderson
 

 
Peterhouse


Oldest Cambridge college
Trumpington Street
Cambridge CB2 1RD
United Kingdom
+44 1223 33 8200
http://www.pet.cam.ac.uk/
In Cambridge University's early days, Hugh de Balsham, Bishop of Ely, set up a scholars' foundation at what is now St John's College. In 1284, this foundation moved south to a site beside St Peter's Church (now Little St Mary's Church) and Peterhouse was established: the first Cambridge college. The college buildings and grounds, stretching away from Trumpington Street, are attractive, yet the only visible trace of the original buildings is in the walls of the dining hall at the rear of Old Court. Back by the road, the mid-18th century Fellows Building housed poet Thomas Gray's bedroom. Famous alumni include Kingsley Amis, Lord Kelvin and Frank Whittle.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Peterhouse photo by Ian Scott-Thompson
Photo: Ian Scott-Thompson
Peterhouse photo by Richard M
Photo: Richard M
Peterhouse photo by Timothy Winters
Photo: Timothy Winters
Peterhouse photo by Nimish Sheth
Photo: Nimish Sheth
Peterhouse photo by hazelsheard
Photo: hazelsheard
Peterhouse photo by Heather Harley
Photo: Heather Harley
Peterhouse photo by awexler
Photo: awexler
Peterhouse photo by Ian44
Photo: Ian44
Peterhouse photo by wandering feet
Photo: wandering feet
Peterhouse photo by John Cox
Photo: John Cox
Peterhouse photo by Alessandra Briscoe
Photo: Alessandra Briscoe
Peterhouse photo by Sarah Michelle Mille
Photo: Sarah Michelle Mille
Peterhouse photo by Joita Chatterjee
Photo: Joita Chatterjee
Peterhouse photo by Penelope Schenk
Photo: Penelope Schenk
Peterhouse photo by Su-Chi Lee
Photo: Su-Chi Lee
 

 
Queens' College


Home of the Mathematical Bridge and Stephen Fry
Silver Street
Cambridge CB3 9ET
United Kingdom
+44 1223 33 5511
http://www.quns.cam.ac.uk/
Queens' College (founded 1448) was founded by two queens: Margaret of Anjou, Henry VI's queen, and Elizabeth Woodville, Edward VI's queen. Enter from Queens' Lane, once one of the city's main medieval roads, into a 15th-century brick courtyard, even older than the neighbouring Cloister Court. Cloister Court though is a superb example of Tudor architecture, the cloisters supporting the wooden-beamed President's Lodge. Between the two courtyards, the dining hall has 19th-century tiling plus older murals. The college also contains the famous Mathematical Bridge, built in 1904 to the same specifications as the original 1749 model. That it was once standing without bolts is sadly a myth. Famous alumni include Erasmus and Stephen Fry. The college has unpredictable opening hours. Admission: From November to March free, otherwise £1.20

Review © 2007, Wcities
Queens' College photo by Crawford Wilson III
Photo: Crawford Wilson III
Queens' College photo by Andrew Turner
Photo: Andrew Turner
Queens' College photo by Amy Galey
Photo: Amy Galey
Queens' College photo by B. Kim Barnes
Photo: B. Kim Barnes
Queens' College photo by Laura e Paula Marins
Photo: Laura e Paula Marins
Queens' College photo by Andrew Salmon
Photo: Andrew Salmon
Queens' College photo by Andrea Barnes
Photo: Andrea Barnes
Queens' College photo by M. Patricia Li
Photo: M. Patricia Li
Queens' College photo by James Popple
Photo: James Popple
Queens' College photo by Mouhamad Mansour
Photo: Mouhamad Mansour
Queens' College photo by Michael Jefferies
Photo: Michael Jefferies
Queens' College photo by Izel Gonzales
Photo: Izel Gonzales
Queens' College photo by mundana
Photo: mundana
Queens' College photo by Jon
Photo: Jon
Queens' College photo by Becky Vander Steen
Photo: Becky Vander Steen
Queens' College photo by untilthemorning
Photo: untilthemorning
Queens' College photo by Charlotte Geater
Photo: Charlotte Geater
Queens' College photo by TeriK
Photo: TeriK
Queens' College photo by Ti Zhou
Photo: Ti Zhou
Queens' College photo by Dr. Lok Raj
Photo: Dr. Lok Raj
Queens' College photo by Kevin Hunt
Photo: Kevin Hunt
Queens' College photo by Tom Barton
Photo: Tom Barton
Queens' College photo by Luke McIlveen Images
Photo: Luke McIlveen Images
Queens' College photo by Geoffrey Sneddon
Photo: Geoffrey Sneddon
Queens' College photo by Jason Wang
Photo: Jason Wang
Queens' College photo by Yvonne Lin
Photo: Yvonne Lin
Queens' College photo by Lee Hyun Min
Photo: Lee Hyun Min
 

 
St Bene't's Church (Church of England)


Oldest building in Cambridge
Bene't's Street
Cambridge CB2 3PT
United Kingdom
+44 1223 35 3903
http://www.stbenets.com/
St. Bene't's (St Benedict's) Church predates the Norman conquest of England in 1066, and so the church stood long before the establishment of the university. The Anglo-Saxon tower remains, the semi-ruined sides noticeably more crude than the later Norman architecture. Inside there are colourful angels on the roof beams of the north transept, but more noteworthy is an arch and pair of lions dating from around 1000. Change-ringing (ringing bells to a tune), was first developed on these bells by Fabian Stedman. Call prior to visit for disabled access arrangements.

Review © 2007, Wcities
St Bene't's Church (Church of England) photo by Nancy Gowler Johnson
Photo: Nancy Gowler Johnson
 

 
St Botolph's Church (Church of England)


Home of the patron saint of travellers!
Trumpington Street
Cambridge CB2 1QA
United Kingdom
+44 1223 36 3529
St Botolph was the patron saint of travelers in medieval times and, as such, churches dedicated to him were often sited at the entrance to a town. St Botolph's Church was built around 1320. Its 15th-century tower is topped with symbols of the four Evangelists: the man, the eagle, the ox and the lion. On its walls are two sundials and a clock. Be sure to check out the painted roof and 17th-century font inside.

Review © 2007, Wcities
St Botolph's Church (Church of England) photo by William Hoiles
Photo: William Hoiles
 

 
St Catharine's College


The golden wheel
Trumpington Street
Cambridge CB2 1RL
United Kingdom
+44 1223 33 8300
http://www.caths.cam.ac.uk/
St Catharine's College was founded in 1473 by the then provost of neighboring King's College. None of the original buildings remain: in the 17th century, all these were demolished and a classical redbrick court constructed. The money ran out before the fourth side was completed, so the college court opens out onto Trumpington Road. St Catharine's emblem, the golden wheel, commemorates Catharine of Alexandria who was crucified on a wheel. The Catharine Wheel firework was also named in her memory. Famous alumni include Emma Thompson and Ian McKellan.

Review © 2007, Wcities
St Catharine's College photo by Sam Wong
Photo: Sam Wong
St Catharine's College photo by Adam Sears
Photo: Adam Sears
St Catharine's College photo by Carla Rodrigues
Photo: Carla Rodrigues
St Catharine's College photo by Simon Bennett
Photo: Simon Bennett
St Catharine's College photo by nikita patel
Photo: nikita patel
 

 
St Edward's Church (Church of England)


Pick and mix architecture
Peas Hill
Cambridge CB2 3PP
United Kingdom
+44 1223 35 9223
http://www.st-edwards-cam.org.uk/
St Edward's Church is dedicated to Edward the Confessor, King of England until his death in 1066. The building is an amalgam of styles: a 12th-century tower, 14th-century arches and a 15th-century chancel. Two side aisles were also added to serve as chapels to Clare College and Trinity Hall. The 16th-century wooden pulpit, however, usurps the importance of the stones. From here Hugh Latimer preached the radical new Protestant theology, though when Catholic Mary Tudor ascended to the throne, Latimer was burnt at the stake. Services: Sundays – 8a (Holy Communion), 11a (Parish Communion/Matins), 6:30p (Evensong), Fridays – 10:30a (Holy Communion), 5:30 p (Christian Meditation).

Review © 2007, Wcities
St Edward's Church (Church of England) photo by Jeren C.
Photo: Jeren C.
 

 
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Other nearby cities:
London (77 miles)
Oxford (100 miles)
Birmingham (132 miles)
Brighton (155 miles)
Sheffield (162 miles)
Southampton (177 miles)
Bath (186 miles)
Bristol (197 miles)
Leeds (205 miles)
Manchester (206 miles)

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