Cambridge：Explore the Medieval Marvels Through Museums, Chapels and Institutions

Cambridge immediately reminds of royalty and a place that is historically extravagant, rich and culturally preserved. The grandeur of architecture, castles and number of cultural events in the city has attracted millions of people from across the globe. It reigns to preserve its romance through its medieval styled architecture enhancing the experience on the banks of River Cam. Here are the top places worth paying a visit when in Cambridge:

1. Mathematical Bridge on Queen’s College

The gorgeous canal top footbridge was founded by Andrew Dockett in 1448 and connects two parts of the famous Queen’s College. The design was kept through although it has been redesigned twice in 1866 and 1905. It is known as mathematical bridge for the unique pattern of construction where timbers were arranged in series of tangents describing the bridge arc. The tangents were tied by radial members and many triangular type of structures used. The construction of the bridge was based on mathematical calculation making it popular.

2. St. Mary Great Church & Round Church

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The St. Mary Great Church exemplifies phenomenal architecture that was built in the 15th Century. The gorgeous Church Gallery has been added in 1739 with the tower structured in 1608. The St. Mary the Less Church is also beautiful and is worth the visit for its stunning view. The Round Church or the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is one the four Norman Churches that was built in 1131 which is known for its beautiful rectangular chancel designed in the 15th century. The Gothic Revival Church of Our Lady is also located close.

3. King’s College &Chapel

It King’s College and Chapel is one of the most prestigious colleges in the world that was founded by Henry VI in 1441 and is definitely worth the visit. The marvelous Victorian styled architecture, lawn extending to the river and quaint foot bridge makes the campus a place to visit. The King’s College Chapel is a gorgeous architecture known for its 12-bay perpendicular style interior that beholds the eye of the onlooker with its stained glass from 16th century beautifully carved wooden organ screen, altarpiece. It is a great place to visit for historical buffs.

4. Cambridge University Botanical Garden

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If you love nature and serenity, Cambridge University Botanical Garden is a place to be surrounded by immense greenery. The botanical garden is spread across 40 acres. The gardening style is unique and is a great place for gardening enthusiasts. It was established in the year 1831 and currently houses nearly 8000 varieties of plant species from across the globe. Take your time appreciating the natural beauty while you stroll around the place leisurely. There are even guided walking tours available which can be availed free on Sundays.

5. Fitzwilliam Museum

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The Fitzwilliam Museum is a great place for sightseeing especially for people interested in history, culture and heritage. It is one of the popular museums in Cambridge and makes a must inclusion in the itinerary. The architecture is extravagant and the museum has huge collection of English poetry, illuminated manuscripts, artifacts and antiques from Greece, Rome and Egypt. The gallery also includes works from some of the finest artisan and artists like Hogarth, Turner, Gainsborough, Rembrandy, Rubens, etc.

6. Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology

The Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology was developed by University of Cambridge in the year 1884 and is one of the best to known about medieval and pre-historic times. The Anthropology museum consist important collection of pre-historic artifacts that has been gathered from across the globe. Some of the rare items also come from Africa and Orient along with Pacific Collection including Cook’s exploration. The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences is a great place for geologists with collection of millions of minerals, rocks and fossils. It also holds number of fossils and rocks from Darwinian time.

7. Cambridge Museum Of Technology

It is one of the most popular museums in Cambridge for understanding various concepts life, science and history. It displays a lot of things that also relates to everyday life of people in 18th to 20th century. The museum is housed in the Old White Horse Inn with wide range of exquisite artifacts collection like coinage, medals, toys, medicine etc. It gives us a strong representation of the country’s industrial era and how it started. The museum is a Victorian styled building with display many science concepts. The Whipple Museum of History of Science has huge number of scientific collection.

8. National Heritage Centre for Horseracing & Sporting Art

Photo byAmanda Slater

This exclusive museum is located just 13 miles east of Cambridge in a place called Newmarket. It is a center of English horse racing since 1174 with a museum also. The museum shows information about horse racing and is great for horse fans. It has lot of exhibit on the sports played by the kings along with collection of paintings of some famous horses, jockeys, old saddles, trophies, etc. The race-course is also close by.

9. Trinity College

A visit to Cambridge without visiting the famous and renowned Trinity College is not complete. Among all the sight-seeing places, this college also makes a remarkable entry for its glorified architecture. The college was established by Henry VIII in 1546. The Trinity Great Court is largest in and around Cambridge that was laid in 1600. It also houses the popular Wren’s Library that is known for its wood carvings based old book-shelves. The college has gorgeous backdrops.

10. Anglesey Abbey

The gorgeous building was built in the 12th century and is one of the places for fine arts and furnishings. The home contains many gorgeous things like tapestries in wide range of forms like Gobelin, Soho and Anglesey. It also houses wide range of collection which includes The Opening of Waterloo Bridge. It has parkland of 114 acres where you can leisurely spend time. It is a wildlife exploring area with number of birds and animal species.

◎ Closing

The city of Cambridge is a haven for historians and lovers of culture and heritage. There is so much to see and explore with an array of museums, gorgeous colleges and medieval infrastructures set amidst the river flow.