Cambridge is most famous for its historic university. However, Cambridge
is far older than the university.
Whilst Cambridge possibly existed in Roman times, and grew into a Norman market
town (the name of the town mutated from Grentabrige or Cantebrigge (Grantbridge)
its University has made it was it is today.The original settlement was north
of the river, on Castle Hill. There is evidence for pre-Roman activity in
the area, but the Romans built the first town.
It was a convenient crossing point of the river Cam, on the edge of the marshy
fen land. The town was a port, since it was the head of the navigation of
what was then known as the River Granta. The area by Magdalene Bridge is still
known as Quayside(see right), although now it only has punts.
St Peter's Church, halfway up Castle Hill, has pieces of Roman tiles in its
walls. King's College founded in the fifteenth century: Henry VI intended
it to form part of a double foundation with Eton. The fifteen century also
brought two other colleges: John Alcock, the then Bishop of Ely, founded Jesus
in 1469 and Robert Wodelark, a Provost of Kings College, founded St Catharine's
in 1473. Now with 31 colleges, the University has gradually grown in size,
stature and influence on the world: its graduates have reached the highest
levels in science, the Church, government, and business throughout the world.
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