Cambridge

Saturday and Monday, 13th and 15th July 2024

We visited Cambridge city centre on both Saturday and Monday, each time travelling by a “guided bus” which for part of the journey took a route along the path of an old railway line, enabling a traffic-free fast journey along some stretches.

Saturday 13th July

On the Saturday the city centre was extremely busy with many international language school students being herded around the various sights. I am sure they would have usefully used the services of a sheep-dog.

Cambridge is one of those places, that wherever you look there is evidence of history. The buildings are just full of medieval “bling”:

We chose to visit Kings College Chapel, spending much of our visit there. It was very busy, but as we were not in a rush, we were able to allow people to move through while we took it all in.

What immediately hits you when you enter the building is the light, the high stained-glass windows, together with the astonishing fan-vaulted ceiling:

The rood screen, with its intricate carving and organ above, was added by King Henry VIII. It bears his initials and those of his wife at the time, Anne Boleyn.

In the archway through the screen, there is a concealed doorway to the organ loft:

We were fortunate to be able to speak to a really knowledgeable member of staff in the chapel, who gave us loads of information about its history, pointing out some of the features not normally noticed. She made us feel welcome and really added to the experience for us.

The Choir Stalls are equally impressive:

The East window, above the altar, bears the initials of “KH”. Katherine Howard perhaps?

The chapel was first commissioned by King Henry VI but completed in the reign of King Henry VIII. There is an exhibition in some of the side rooms on the north side of the chapel which give historical information including some medieval illuminated manuscripts:

Also in one of the side chapels, there is some interesting stained glass:

Monday 15th July

Although still busy, when we returned on Monday it was much quieter so we explored the city further. Cambridge is famous for its colleges:

We visited Magdalene College and the Pepys Library. Unfortunately we were unable to take photographs in the library, which was fascinating, but the buildings and garden areas were beautiful:

When we were there, there was a formal dinner being set up for the evening. We were able to take a peak through the open doorway.

We also visited The Wren Library in Trinity College:

The original manuscript of Winnie-the-Pooh. “The House at Pooh Corner” was on display, but photography is not permitted due to copyright. There were some other documents on display however:

Cambridge has much to offer beyond the colleges…

I was preparing to take a photograph of the bridges, from another bridge, when I heard one of the punters say to her passengers: “Smile for the camera”. It seemed impolite to not take the snap:

The city has lots of green parkland:

Scattered around the city are small doors called “Dinky Doors”. We came across a couple of them.

It later started to rain:

Which meant that the punt passengers all had umbrellas:

In line with university student tradition, there was a protest in progress. This was about the Palestinian war.