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Cambridge EnglandINTRODUCTION Despite the umbrella name of Cambridge University, there are actually 31 separate colleges in Cambridge. Numerous important scientists, writers and historic figures have studied there, including Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, Watson and Crick, John Milton, William Wordsworth, C.S. Lewis, A.A. Milne, Virginia Woolf and Douglas Adams. Cambridge possesses much history, beautiful architecture and many attractions for the modern traveler. HISTORY The Romans established the first official town on the site of modern-day Cambridge, though they called the river the Granta. The Anglo-Saxons claimed the territory because of its strategic Castle Hill, and the Danish also settled there for a while. In 1068, the Normans built an actual castle on Castle Hill and constructed the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of four round Norman-style churches in England. The name Cambridge grew out of the Anglo-Saxon name Grantabrycge, then the Norman Grentebrige or Cantebrigge. People began to call Granta River the Cam River in order to fit the name Cambridge: the bridge over the Cam. The early 13th century saw Cambridge become an official town with charters from King John. Discontented Oxford University students came to Cambridge in 1209—the beginnings of Cambridge University. Many colleges formed, and the college buildings had become quite elaborate by the time Henry VIII took control of the universities from the Catholic Church. The late 16th through the 18th centuries marked a stagnant period for Cambridge University as well as Cambridge itself. However, new colleges formed in the early 19th century, which helped recover much of the town’s former glory. Even women could study at new women’s colleges, though they would not receive degrees until 1948. The town itself expanded during this time, and the railroad brought new possibilities for growth in 1845. King George VI, in 1951, awarded Cambridge a charter, making it officially a city even though it does not have a cathedral. ATTRACTIONS Cambridge University Press Bookshop The Round Church (Church of the Holy Sepulchre) Whipple Museum of the History of Science RESTAURANTS The Eagle Pub – Experience history while you eat. View the signatures of WWII pilots on the ceiling of one of the bars and sit in the room where Crick announced that he and Watson had “discovered the secret of life” – the structure of DNA. There may even be ghosts around. There is supposedly a ghost that makes sure a particular window is never closed after a little boy died during a fire. Patisserie Valerie – There are reasons why there are 32 restaurants around the UK in this chain. Though they serve breakfast and lunch, the real reasons to are the homemade gelato, the marzipan animals, the handmade truffles, the Belgian pralines, the almost endless list of pastries. De Luca Cucina & Bar – This modern, chic Italian restaurant has a light, but still cozy atmosphere, with a large skylight, original artwork and an open kitchen. The live music on Fridays is provided by either Bell’aria, a pair of female opera singers, or Peace Memory, a piano and saxophone duo. The food is clean, contemporary Italian, and the cocktail bar and lounge both offer an extensive list of cocktails and wines. Cambridge Chop House Ltd. – The Cambridge Chop House and St. John’s Chop House are both easily accessible from the center of town and serve hearty, traditional English fare. Both have lunch specials, and the Cambridge Chop House’s pre-theatre dinner ends with a bell that indicates the quarter-hour before a show starts at The Arts Theatre. Fitzbillies – Cambridge’s most popular bakery jealously guards the recipe for its Chelsea buns, so you will have to visit in order to taste the buns the bakery boasts as “probably the stickiest in the world.” The restaurant right next to the bakery serves meals as well as tea and pastries. Cambridge students have stuffed themselves with Fitzbillies sweets since the 1920s, so come see what the fuss is about. LODGING Lensfield Hotel - The Lensfield Hotel provides warm, upscale lodging for the Cambridge traveler. The rooms have plentiful silky draperies and fluffy pillows, and the breakfast room has velvety chairs and sprays of flowers. Just the place to pamper yourself while on holiday. Harry’s Bed & Breakfast - Staying at Harry’s is as close to home as you can get (while not having to cook breakfast or clean your bedroom). Harry’s has no single rooms, but the doubles are perfect for families. The rooms have simple, clean, cheerful furnishings, and you can choose from a full English breakfast (with vegetarian options as well) or an extensive continental breakfast. Home from Home Guest House and Apartments - Choose between staying in the comfortable guest house with breakfast included in the price and having the privacy of your own apartment complete with kitchen. All rooms and apartments have wireless, television and laundry facilities. Cambridge Rooms - You can take advantage of college holidays by staying in college B&B rooms for a rate generally cheaper than other B&Bs. Eat in the college dining hall, explore the campus and feel like a local as you experience Cambridge. PERSONAL STORIES 
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