25 Fascinating Facts About Cambridge You Need To Know

Cambridge is a historic city known for its world-renowned university and rich cultural heritage. It attracts students, tourists, and scholars from all over the world. Whether you’re a student considering a summer school or a tourist planning a visit, Cambridge has something unique to offer. From stunning architecture to fascinating historical facts, Cambridge is a must-visit destination.

Below, we present 25 fascinating facts about Cambridge that will enrich your understanding of this vibrant city.

1. Cambridge has been a settlement since the Bronze Age
   Archaeological findings reveal that Cambridge was inhabited as early as the Bronze Age, making it a place of continuous human settlement for thousands of years. This deep-rooted history adds a unique layer of intrigue to the city.
2. The University of Cambridge was founded in 1209
   The prestigious University of Cambridge was established in 1209. Today, it remains one of the oldest and most respected academic institutions in the world.
3. There are 31 colleges within the University of Cambridge
   The University of Cambridge is made up of 31 autonomous colleges, each with its own history, traditions, and academic focus. These colleges play a central role in the life of the university.
4. Cambridge University has produced over 120 Nobel Prize winners
   Cambridge has an impressive track record of producing Nobel laureates across various fields, including physics, chemistry, medicine, and literature. This achievement underscores its reputation for academic excellence.
5. Famous alumni include Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Stephen Hawking
   Cambridge is known for its illustrious alumni, including scientific giants such as Isaac Newton, who revolutionised physics, Charles Darwin, who developed the theory of evolution, and Stephen Hawking, a pioneer in theoretical physics.

6. King’s College Chapel is known for its stunning Gothic architecture
   One of Cambridge’s architectural highlights, King’s College Chapel is a masterpiece of Gothic design, renowned for its towering spires, intricate stonework, and majestic fan-vaulted ceiling.
7. The River Cam runs through the city, and is popular for punting
   Punting on the River Cam is a quintessential Cambridge experience. Visitors and locals alike enjoy leisurely glides along the water, passing by the beautiful university colleges and gardens.
8. The Mathematical Bridge at Queens’ College is famous for its design
   The Mathematical Bridge, located at Queens’ College, is a wooden bridge designed to appear as if it is held together by gravity alone. Its structure has captivated engineers and visitors for centuries.
9. Cambridge University Library holds a copy of every book published in the UK
   As a legal deposit library, the Cambridge University Library is entitled to receive a copy of every book published in the UK. It houses millions of volumes, making it an invaluable resource for scholars.
10. The Eagle Pub is where Watson and Crick announced the discovery of DNA
    The Eagle Pub is famous for being the spot where James Watson and Francis Crick revealed their discovery of the structure of DNA in 1953. A plaque commemorates this momentous occasion in scientific history.
11. The Botanic Garden features over 8,000 plant species
    The Cambridge University Botanic Garden, covering 40 acres, is home to more than 8,000 plant species from around the world. It serves as a hub for plant research and conservation, attracting both scientists and nature lovers.
12. The Fitzwilliam Museum has a vast collection of art and antiquities
    Cambridge’s Fitzwilliam Museum houses an extraordinary collection of art and antiquities, spanning centuries and cultures. Visitors can explore exhibits ranging from ancient Egyptian artefacts to works by modern European artists.
13. The Cambridge Footlights club has launched many famous comedians’ careers
    The Cambridge Footlights is a comedy troupe that has launched the careers of many well-known British comedians, including Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, and Emma Thompson. It remains one of the most influential comedy groups in the world.
14. Trinity College Library houses works by Isaac Newton
    Trinity College’s Wren Library holds many original manuscripts by Sir Isaac Newton, one of the most famous scientists in history. Visitors can see these alongside other rare books and manuscripts.
15. Parker’s Piece is important for the history of modern football rules
    Parker’s Piece, a large green in central Cambridge, is said to be the birthplace of the modern rules of football. In 1848, a set of rules was drawn up here, which would later influence the development of the modern game.
16. Cambridge Science Park is Europe’s oldest and most successful science park
    Founded in 1970, Cambridge Science Park is a leading centre for innovation and research, housing some of the world’s most forward-thinking companies. It has been at the heart of technological advancements in Europe for decades.
17. Many colleges and buildings in Cambridge are rumoured to be haunted
    With its long history, Cambridge is naturally a city of legends, many of which involve ghostly sightings. Numerous colleges and buildings are said to be haunted, with tales passed down through generations of students.
18. The Corpus Clock features a large grasshopper sculpture called the ‘Chronophage’
    One of Cambridge’s more curious attractions is the Corpus Clock, located on the outside of the Taylor Library at Corpus Christi College. The clock is topped with a giant grasshopper-like creature, the ‘Chronophage’, which symbolises the relentless passage of time.
19. The Round Church dates back to 1130
    The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, commonly known as the Round Church, is one of only four medieval round churches in England. Built in 1130, it stands as a testament to Cambridge’s religious and architectural heritage.
20. The Festival of Ideas celebrates arts, humanities, and social sciences
    The Cambridge Festival of Ideas is an annual event that brings together thinkers, artists, and the public to explore topics in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. It’s a lively celebration of creativity and critical thinking in Cambridge.
21. Cambridge Market Square has a daily market selling various goods
    Cambridge’s Market Square has been the centre of trade in the city for centuries. Today, the market operates daily, offering everything from fresh produce to crafts and souvenirs, making it a vibrant spot for both locals and visitors.
22. Gonville & Caius College has a quirky tradition involving the ‘Green Man’
    Gonville & Caius College is known for its ‘Green Man’ tradition. During formal events, a scholar dressed in green robes and leaves delivers speeches in Latin, adding a touch of historical pageantry to college life.
23. The Cambridge-Oxford boat race is a major rowing event
    The annual Cambridge-Oxford boat race is one of the most famous rowing competitions in the world. Held on the River Thames, the event attracts huge crowds and fierce competition between the two universities.
24. Cambridge Blue is the unique shade associated with the university’s sports teams
    Cambridge Blue, a pale shade of blue, is the official colour of the university’s sports teams. This colour is a point of pride and distinction, especially during sporting events such as the boat race.
25. Cambridge is a global centre for innovation and technology
    Often referred to as the “Silicon Fen,” Cambridge is a hub for technology and innovation. With many start-ups and leading tech companies based in the city, it plays a key role in scientific research and technological advancements.

Explore Summer Schools Located in Cambridge

If you’re inspired by these fascinating facts and want to experience Cambridge firsthand, Summer Boarding Courses (SBC) offers a range of summer programmes that provide an excellent opportunity to explore this iconic city. Our courses are designed to help students excel academically while also enjoying the cultural and historical richness of Cambridge.

Enquire today to book your spot and take the next step toward an unforgettable summer in Cambridge!