Later the Romans took over this site which was an important crossing point, marking the meeting place of the Roman Roads, in particular the Via Devana which linked Colchester to Chester. It was the Normans who built a castle here as a base for fighting Hereward the Wake, the Saxon rebel. The mound of William the Conqueror’s castle is still in existence, from where on a clear day you can see the lantern tower of Ely Cathedral.

In the 12th century, students attended schools attached to the Monasteries and Cathedrals and as Universities developed in Italy and France scholars migrated from one centre to another. Some went from Paris to Oxford and later in the early 13th century groups arrived in Cambridge. During the 12th century several religious orders came to Cambridge attracting sufficient numbers of students for the town to be recognised as a seat of learning by a writ for its governance made by Henry III in 1231. At this time, students would gather around whichever religious, or lay teachers ideas appealed to them and had to make their own arrangements for living accommodation. Due to the unsatisfactory conditions in which the students had to exist, hostels were set up in the care of the masters and from this the college system evolved. It was not until 1284 that the first college came into being when Hugo de Balsham, Bishop of Ely, founded Peterhouse.

As the University grew and took over more of the town, inevitably there were disagreements between residents and members of the University and for many years there were spasmodic outbreaks of trouble between “town and gown”.

During the 16th century, at the time of the church reformation, Cambridge educated famous Protestant preachers such as Cranmer, Latimer and Ridley; all later became martyrs in Oxford, during the reign of Mary Tudor.

The Civil War brought Cambridge to the centre of events as Oliver Cromwell was a graduate of Sidney Sussex college and also the local member of parliament, while the University was mainly Royalist.

Although the University regained its status after the restoration, there came a time during the 18th century when, according to Lord Byron its reputation for “din and drunkenness” was better known than its academic record.

By the 19th century the University underwent changes, introducing subjects such as natural science and history to its curriculum and vastly increased its numbers. The coming of the railways to Cambridge brought industry and employment opportunities, increasing the local population which redressed the balance of “town and gown”

In the late 1800’s two colleges were founded for women, but it was not until the late 1940’s that they were awarded degrees. A third women’s college was founded in the 1950’s,it was not until the 1970’s that other colleges began to accept female students for the first time.

Cambridge has always enjoyed a reputation for being at the forefront of scientific research, and today it is a thriving place, considered to be a centre for hi-tech industries and referred to locally as “Silicon Fen”.

When you visit Cambridge, some of the famous attractions you will not want to miss include; The Fitzwilliam Museum, housing a collection of world famous paintings, drawings and prints together with Egyptian and Roman antiquities, there are permanent collections and temporary exhibitions.

The Cambridge and County Folk Museum, is in a building dating back to the 16th century. Its rooms display fascinating local domestic history of the past 300 years.

Other Cambridge museums are the Wipple Museum of the History of Science, the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, the Museum of Zoology, the Museum of Classical Archaeology and the Scott Polar Research Institute.

The Round Church, is one of only four remaining round churches in England, it now houses a brass rubbing centre.

The American Cemetery, is set on a beautifully landscaped hillside, it commemorates the American service men and women who died during the Second World War.

You can relax in the pleasant surroundings of the University Botanic Gardens, where you will find a huge collection of plants in a tranquil garden setting. Or take a gentle stroll along the Backs where you will enjoy seeing the wonderful architecture of the colleges across the river; for the more energetic why not take a punt along the River Cam, in true Cambridge style.

For those interested in rowing, they will be entertained by the “Bumps Races”, which take place on the River Cam. These races between colleges take place several times a year; there are Lent Bumps, May Bumps and Bumps’ Races rowing eights in June and July.

Shoppers will find a pleasant environment in Cambridge, for browsing in the bustling market square or discovering the many individual shops, the major stores and the excellent bookshops.

Cambridge has many cosmopolitan cafes and restaurants, serving a selection of food from around the world, together with traditional English cuisine.

In the evening Cambridge offers a choice of theatres, cinemas and clubs. Classical music concerts and organ recitals take place in many of the college chapels and live music can be enjoyed in a number of pubs.

The University of Cambridge is made up of thirty-one colleges; many of them are architectural gems, founded by Kings, Queens, bishops, noblemen and wealthy patrons. Large endowments of wealth and land allowed the colleges to employ the best architects, who created magnificent buildings, which reflect 700 years of British Heritage. The older colleges were planed in the monastic tradition, with cloisters, courts, a large dining hall and chapel.

Entrance is through a porter’s lodge at the gatehouse where you can find out the opening times of individual colleges. The colleges are first and foremost private places, where people live and work throughout the year. Visitors are usually welcome to walk through the courts, to visit the chapels and libraries but quietness is important. Examination time is from mid-April to late June and most colleges are closed to the public during this period'.

Text courtesy of AboutBritain.Com