Discover the legacy of Sir Isaac Newton with a visit to the historic Newton Apple Tree at Trinity College. This impressive tree was grafted from the original, famously inspiring Newton’s law of gravitation after an apple fell on his head. While the tree doesn’t bear fruit for eating, it does produce cooking apples of the Flower of Kent variety, which are green rather than red. Explore this unique piece of history during your walking tour.
The Eagle is a historic pub with roots dating back to the 14th century, known for it’s rich history and association with the academic community of Cambridge University. It was once a bustling coaching inn for travellers along the road from London, but when the railway came to Cambridge in 1850, it evolved into a gathering place for students, faculty, and researchers from the local colleges.
In particular, the pub became a favourite of the staff at the Cavendish Laboratory, a hub for experimental physics. And it was here that two of the lab’s researchers made a fateful announcement on February 28, 1953. Francis Crick, a regular at the pub, proclaimed to fellow patrons, many of them scientists, that he and James Watson had uncovered the double helix structure of DNA, a discovery that would go on to be recognized as one of the most important of the 20th century. Crick declared that they had found the secret of life.
Discover the unique and captivating Corpus Clock, created by John C. Taylor and unveiled by Stephen Hawking in 2008. This timepiece, nicknamed the “Chronophage” or time eater, symbolises the passage of time with a creature at the top serving as the escapement. Hour chimes are replaced by a distinct sound from a chain falling into a wooden coffin. The clock face is plated in gold and displays the time with three LED light rings. An inscription from the Bible adds to its intriguing design. Despite it’s accuracy, the clock’s pendulum and lights may fluctuate, reflecting life’s imperfections.
Pembroke College in Cambridge has a rich history, having been established by Mary de St Pol on Christmas Eve in 1347 with a grant from King Edward III. It holds the distinction of being the oldest surviving Cambridge College on it’s original site, with an unbroken history and constitution from it’s establishment to the present day.
The college is also known for it’s stunning Chapel, a building that has its roots in a promise made by Bishop Matthew Wren during his time in prison during the Civil War. Upon his release, he vowed to construct a new Chapel for the College, and he chose his nephew, Sir Christopher Wren, to design the building. The Chapel of Pembroke, consecrated in 1665, is considered the first completed work of the famous architect and the first chapel in either Oxford or Cambridge in the classical style.
Discover the rich history of Great St Mary’s Church, a landmark of Cambridge University’s heritage. As the first home of the university, it served as a hub of academic and cultural activity, hosting lectures, celebrations, and graduation ceremonies. Climb to the top of the tower to witness the breathtaking views of the city and experience the significance of this historic site.
The Senate House is a stunning neoclassical structure, crafted by architect James Gibbs in the early 18th century. Made of Portland stone, this building was once home to the University of Cambridge’s Council of State meetings, hence it’s name. Today, the Senate House serves as the venue for the University’s student graduation ceremonies, showcasing it’s continued significance in the history of Cambridge.
The Round Church, which was established by Crusaders in the 12th century, is an iconic structure in Cambridge that has been a symbol of the Christian faith for nearly 900 years. This church was designed after the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and serves as a reminder of Cambridge’s rich history.
Visitors to the Round Church will be entranced by it’s Norman architectural style, featuring robust columns and elegantly rounded arches. The interior of the church boasts an array of stunning features, including breathtaking stained glass windows, intriguing stone faces, and gorgeous 15th-century wooden angels carved into the walls. The church also showcases Victorian tiles and other historic pieces that add to its overall charm.
St. Catharine’s College was founded in 1473 by Robert Woodlark, who at the time was the head administrator of King’s College. This college is unique in that it was founded by someone who was already in a leadership role at another institution. Despite some controversy surrounding the use of funds, Woodlark was dedicated to his vision and used a significant portion of his wealth to lay the foundation for St. Catharine’s. The college was created to be a small community of theologians and philosophers, as reflected in it’s early curriculum offerings. The name “St. Catharine’s” is believed to be derived from the patron saint of learning, St. Catharine, and the college now has a student body of over 600.
Gonville and Caius College, one of Cambridge University’s oldest and largest institutions, boasts an esteemed alumnus: the late Professor Stephen Hawking. As a renowned cosmologist and author, Hawking dedicated over 50 years of his life as a fellow of the college, leaving a lasting impact on the scientific community with his groundbreaking work on black holes and the origins of the universe. Despite facing the challenges of motor neurone disease, Hawking exceeded all expectations and lived for 55 years after his diagnosis. Known for his brilliant mind and indomitable spirit, he continues to inspire people as one of the most famous geniuses of modern times. Hawking’s famous quote, “Life would be tragic if it weren’t funny,” encapsulates his unique outlook on life.
The Wooden Bridge, also known by it’s nickname “the Mathematical Bridge,” is a well-known bridge in Cambridge. Despite a popular legend that states Isaac Newton designed the bridge without bolts, relying solely on mathematics, gravity, and his genius, this is in fact a myth. The truth is that the bridge is held up using mathematics, like every other bridge in the world, and it’s design incorporates tangential radial trussing, a technique that originated in China and utilises straight wooden beams. Nevertheless, the bridge is a complex design and requires bolts to remain sturdy. The story about the fellows at Queens’ College attempting to disassemble the bridge to uncover its secret, only to fail in reassembling it, is a fanciful tale.
Discover the Cambridge Market, located just a stone’s throw away from Great St Mary’s Church. This bustling market is open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, making it a go-to destination for both residents and tourists. Savour international flavours from a variety of cuisines, or indulge in a unique shopping experience that offers everything from classic souvenirs to handcrafted condiments. Get ready to tantalise your taste buds and dive into the vibrant atmosphere of the Cambridge Market.
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