A Day in Cambridge

After a scrumptious breakfast, we walked into Cambridge to see what we could find of interest. Lovely walk into town, through field, leafy parks and narrow streets but as it was very cold day, we decided not to go punting on the river.

Thornton Building at the River Cam crossing into Cambridge
Punting on the Cam
Narrow streets into Cambridge

We started off visiting the iconic Christ’s College. Dating from 1437, the college had some famous scholars, including John Milton (Poet), Ralph Cudworth (theologian), William Paley (theologian), Charles Darwin (naturalist), Martin Evans (biologist), Alexander Todd (biochemist), James Meade (economist), Duncan Haldene (physicist), John Plumb (historian) and Louis Mountbatten (statesman and navy officer). The college itself is an imposing series of buildings, arranged around a series of courts. The Chapel is one such building off the First Court.

End of the Chapel at Christ’s College
First Court
The Chapel
Christ’s College Chapel with screen
Stained Glass
Arms of Henry VIII

Leaving Christ’s College, we wandered down the streets, observing some elaborate buildings and gates. We found our way to the Round Church. This Anglican Church was built in 1130 with its shape being inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. A lovely little church with a group of Evangelical students talking to visitors. After chatting for a while, the students gave us a CD of the history of the Church to share with our small group from their small group.

A cold day on the Cam with St Johns College beyond
Building facades in Cambridge
The streets of Cambridge
Tudor house in Cambridge
The Round Church
Inside the Round Church

On to Trinity College, built in 1546 by Henry VIII by combining Michaelhouse (built in 1324) and Kings Hall (1317) whose most famous undergraduates were Francis Bacon (philosopher), Isaac Newton (physicist) and Byron, Thackeray and Tennyson (Poets).

Trinity College Gate (with Henry VIII statue)
Great Court of Trinity College with its ornate fountain
Trinity College Chapel
Two famous physicists

Left Rectory Farm during the afternoon to return the car to Heathrow. Trained and walked over to Premier Inn at Heathrow, where we were booked to stay for the next two nights.

Our trusty car