Cambridge
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Cambridge, city (district), administrative and historic county of Cambridgeshire, England, home of the internationally known University of Cambridge. The city lies immediately south of the Fens country (a flat alluvial region only slightly above sea level) and is itself only 20 to 80 feet (6 to 24 metres) above sea level. Most of the city is built on the east bank of the River Cam, a tributary of the Ouse. Suburbs extend across the river, but modern development to the west has been largely restricted to university expansion.
Originally a fording place, Cambridge possesses earthworks, including Castle Hill, and Roman remains. Later there was another settlement at Market Hill. Two monastic foundations date from the 11th and 12th centuries, respectively—Barnwell Priory and a Benedictine nunnery, replaced in 1496 by Jesus College.
Cambridge received its first charter in 1207; the uninterrupted existence of public officers in the city since the Middle Ages is noteworthy. It also has an interesting guild history, Corpus Christi College having been founded by guilds in 1352.
Modern Cambridge has been described as “perhaps the only true university town in England.” University and college buildings provide nearly all the outstanding architectural features. The beauty of the city is enhanced by many commons and other open spaces, including Jesus Green and Midsummer Common, Sheep’s Green, Lammas Land, Christ’s Pieces, Parker’s Piece, the University Botanic Gardens (much developed, extended, and improved), and the Backs. The Backs are the landscaped lawns and gardens through which the River Cam winds behind the main line of colleges, including Queens’, King’s, Clare, Trinity, St. John’s, and Magdalene, and under a series of magnificent bridges, of which the Bridge of Sighs (St. John’s, 1827–31), the stone bridge of Clare with thick stone balls on the parapets (1638–40), and the so-called “Mathematical Bridge” of Queens’ are among the best known. East of the River Cam is King’s Parade, a street where the 15th-century church Great St. Mary’s and a line of attractive shops face King’s College with its chapel and the university Senate House (built between 1722 and 1730 from designs by James Gibbs). King’s College Chapel (1446–1515), the best-known building in Cambridge, was designed by Henry VI as part of an immense and never fully realized conception. Great buttresses, lofty spires and turrets, a high vaulted roof, heraldic devices, and magnificent stained-glass windows are among the notable features of the chapel.
Other noteworthy churches in the city include St. Benet’s with its Saxon tower, the restored Norman Holy Sepulchre Church (one of only four round churches in England), and St. Edward’s Church. The Fitzwilliam Museum (1837–41) is located in Trumpington Street, a continuation of King’s Parade. West of the river is the redbrick University Library (1931–34). The Cambridge and County Folk Museum is situated near Magdalene College in Castle Street.
Cambridge has good rail and road access to London, about 60 miles (95 km) south. During the medieval period the River Cam was heavily used for water transport, the local wharfing facilities (which have gradually disappeared) being in heavy demand during the annual period of Stourbridge Fair. Today the Cam is extensively used for pleasure boating, punting, and canoeing.
Cambridge industry is extensive but, from the city centre, is unobtrusive. It includes industries that have depended to a considerable extent on university and college connections and orders, as diverse as building, printing, and instrument making, and includes others that have also had close links, such as electronics. Flour milling, asphalt manufacture, and cement making have also been important. Several of the large new and secondhand bookshops enjoy international reputations, and there are numerous establishments specializing in the sale of antiques. Area 16 square miles (41 square km). Pop. (2001) 108,863; (2011) 123,867.
