|
|
|
 For bookings and information please ring 07940 999 364 WHAT TO SEE IN CAMBRIDGE King's College chapel: quite simply the finest building of its kind in Europe. Founded by Henry VI in 1441, work began in 1446 and took almost 100 years. The fan vault ceiling is renowned for its breathtaking beauty. The 26 stained glass windows depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments and tell the story of Christ. They are the most complete set of church windows from the time of Henry VIII (www.kings.cam.ac.uk). Trinity College and the Wren Library: the largest Cambridge college, founded by Henry VIII in 1546. Former students include 32 Nobel prize winners, two kings, six prime ministers and a long list of famous scientists, philosophers, writers and poets. The 17th century library designed by Sir Christopher Wren houses priceless books and manuscripts, including a first edition of Newton's 'Principia Mathematica', an eighth century manuscript of the epistles of St Paul, Milton's poems in his own handwriting and the original manuscript of AA Milne's 'Winnie the Pooh'. Queens' College: one of the most picturesque Cambridge colleges, famous for its half-timbered gallery dating from 1597 and the intricate 'Mathematical Bridge' over the River Cam. Old Court was completed in 1449 and is little altered today. It is a fine example of colleges were laid out in mediaeval times, with a gatehouse, chapel, library, dining hall, master's lodge (though Queens' has a President) and living accommodation all surrounding one lawned courtyard. St.John's College: the gate house is regarded as the finest in Cambridge, though Christ's College is not far behind. The extensive college courts show Tudor brickwork at its best. The grounds include the famous Bridge of Sighs and the oldest secular building in Cambridge, known as the School of Pythagoras. This dates from the 12th century, and no one knows how it got its name. Emmanuel College: a must for American visitors. A third of the first hundred British graduates to arrive in New England were from Emmanuel. This includes John Harvard who founded a school which became one of American's famous universities. The chapel is one of two in Cambridge designed by Sir Christopher Wren. The other, in Pembroke College, was Wren's first completed work. Cambridge colleges: there are 31 colleges in Cambridge. All have their own history and points of interest. The oldest, Peterhouse, was founded in 1284 and the newest, Robinson, in 1981. Jesus College has the oldest building in any Cambridge college: the college chapel which was originally part of a 12th century Benedictine nunnery. Magdalene College houses the famous Pepys Library, with 3,000 books bequeathed by the great diarist himself. The view from the tower of Great St.Mary's church: a bit of a climb, but well worth it. Look down on Senate House, Old Schools (where teaching took place in the 14th century), King's college and the market place. The Old Cavendish Laboratory and New Museums site: the discoveries made at the Cavendish changed mankind's understanding of the physical world. From the electron to the structure of DNA and beyond, the Cavendish led the way. Today the site is a rambling collection of buildings old and new, on some of which you can spot plaques marking the famous discoveries made inside. The site is also home to the Cambridge University Museum of Zoology, which houses a permanent exhibition dedicated to Charles Darwin. The Eagle Pub: One of the oldest pubs in Cambridge. Used by the RAF and US 8th Air Force pilots during the Second World War. They wrote their names and squadron numbers on the ceiling, using lighters or candles. The 'RAF Bar' is preserved today pretty much as it was then (8 Benet Street, Tel: 01223 505 020). St Bene't's church: built by the Saxons around 1025. The oldest building in Cambridgeshire. St Edward's Church: on Christmas Eve 1525, Robert Barnes preached what is considered to be the first Reformation sermon at this church. The pulpit from which he spoke is still there and dates from 1510. The church is usually open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 1300-1500, but phone 01223 362004 to check. The Fitzwilliam Museum(pictured above): regarded as the best regional museum in Europe. The Fitzwilliam Museum houses world-class collections of works of art and antiquities spanning centuries and civilisations. Free entry, though a small donation helps. Closed on Mondays. Open Tues-Sat 1000-1700 and on Sundays from 1200-1700. The Round Church: No connection with the Da Vinci Code, but it was built in 1130 and replicates the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. |
|
|
|
|
|
