Cambridge History: Stories That Built More Than a University Town

Just like any quintessential English city, Cambridge has a long and diverse history. Below, we take a close look at Cambridge history and the stories that have helped shape it. From its early beginnings under Roman occupation to the prestige of Cambridge University, and the alumni and inventions that have helped to shape not just the city but the world we live in today. 

The origins of Cambridge

Cambridge can date its origins back to Roman times, with the first permanent settlement a fort on Castle Hill. The Normans later built a castle on the same site in 1068, but all that now remains of this Cambridge historical landmark is an earthen motte (or mound).

It wasn’t until the early Middle Ages, when the Danes conquered eastern England, that a settlement was built on modern-day Cambridge, along the banks of the river Granta - later known as the Cam, a back-formation from the town’s name.

From this time onwards, the city prospered, receiving its first town charter in 1207, thanks largely to accessible trade routes via the river and out to sea at King’s Lynn and Cambridge’s relative accessibility to London.

Cambridge University, founded in 1209, only further added to the success of the city. Since its formation, it has been heralded globally as a centre of academic excellence and attracted students from across the globe, as well as tourists keen to learn more about Cambridge University history and walk in the footsteps of some of the university’s famed alumni.  

The University and Its Global Legacy

The University of Cambridge is one of the world’s oldest universities. Founded by scholars from Oxford University in 1209, it wasn’t officially recognised as a university until 1231, when it was granted a royal charter from King Henry III. 

The first college, Peterhouse, was established in 1284 by the Bishop of Ely, Hugh de Balsham. Throughout the 14th and 15th centuries, many more colleges were established, often in memory of important religious figures. While this practice died out, the growth of the colleges continued over the centuries, with another key moment of Cambridge University history being the opening of its first female college, Girton College, in 1869. 

The University is also home to the oldest university press in the world. Cambridge University Press received royal approval to print in 1534 and printed its first book in 1584

Over the following centuries, the university has continued to become a hub of academic excellence, with famous scholars including Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Lord Byron, William Wordsworth, Stephen Hawking and many more. What’s more, the University of Cambridge has consistently ranked amongst the world’s best universities and is a leading global institution.  

Famous Figures Who Left Their Mark

Cambridge University history is littered with famous figures who have not just left their mark on the city but have had a huge impact on the world. Below, we’ve outlined just a few of the influential figures in Cambridge’s history:

• Issac Newton – Newton, best known for formulating the laws of motion and gravity, attended Trinity College at the University of Cambridge as an undergraduate, became Lucasian Professor of Maths in 1669, and served as MP for the University in 1689-1690 (and again in 1701-1702).
• Charles Darwin – Darwin attended Christ’s College before embarking on the life-altering voyage on HMS Beagle, which sparked his theory of evolution by natural selection and laid the foundation for modern biology.
• Stephen Hawking – One of the most famous theoretical physicists, known for his theories on black holes and the origins of the universe, Hawking arrived at Cambridge in 1962 as a PhD student and later became Lucasian Professor of Maths (1979-2009). 
• Lord Byron – The famous poet attended Trinity College from 1805 to 1808, forming a strong interest in classical literature and languages. 

Moments That Changed the City

Much like the city itself, there is so much more to Cambridge heritage than just the university. So below, we have shared some of the moments that have helped secure the city’s global recognition:

• Discovery of DNA – The double helix structure of DNA was discovered by Cambridge scientists James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953, which drew on crucial X-ray data by Rosalind Franklin and others.
• Discovery of IVF – IVF treatment was pioneered by Robert (Bob) Edwards in Cambridge during the 1960s and 70s and has since helped millions of people across the globe go on to have a family. He worked with Patrick Steptoe, and their work was recognised with a Nobel prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2010.
• The formation of the rules of football – The formal rules of football were first conceived in 1848 by a group of students on Parker’s Piece. These rules were later revised in 1863, helping to shape the FA Laws of the Game. 
• The development of affordable home computers – Sinclair Research in Cambridge developed the first affordable home computer, the ZX81 in 1981, which helped to popularise home computing in the UK. 
• A wealth of famous actors – The University of Cambridge’s Footlights sketch comedy troupe has produced some of the world’s best-loved stars, including John Cleese, Rowan Atkinson, Stephen Fry, Emma Thompson, Mel Giedroyc, Sue Perkins Hugh Laurie, David Mitchell, Robert Webb and many more.

Architectural Heritage Through the Ages

Nowhere is Cambridge history more apparent than in its buildings, with numerous Cambridge historical landmarks dotted throughout the city. 

You will discover medieval buildings such as Peterhouse (founded 1284) and late-medieval masterpieces like King’s College Chapel (built 1446–1515), one of the finest examples of Perpendicular Gothic. From the early modern period, highlights also include Pembroke College Chapel (consecrated 1665), Sir Christopher Wren’s first completed building, and the Wren Library at Trinity College (completed 1695). More modern architectural buildingsinclude James Stirling’s History Faculty Building (completed 1968), noted for its reinforced-concrete frame, red-brick cladding and dramatic glazed reading room.