We did not have a lot of time to spend in Cambridge.
We basically had one evening and then we spent the
following morning touring the town by both
double-decker bus and on foot.
We basically had one evening and then we spent the
following morning touring the town by both
double-decker bus and on foot.
It was just what I expected for an English University town,
as we had been to Oxford years ago.
as we had been to Oxford years ago.
There are actually 31 Colleges within Cambridge.
Some as as small as a single building....and then
Some as as small as a single building....and then
there's is the famous and stately King's College.
Before I start sharing pics, I need to apologize for the
quality of some of these shots. I only had my phone
camera during this day.
quality of some of these shots. I only had my phone
camera during this day.
King's College was started in 1441 by Henry V1.
Yes, that's me standing in front of the King's College Chapel.
The Chapel was also started by Henry VI in 1446
and took over a century to complete. It is the
largest fan built ceiling in the world and features
original medieval stained glass.
and took over a century to complete. It is the
largest fan built ceiling in the world and features
original medieval stained glass.
The Chapel is also the venue for the Christmas Eve
service, A Festival of Nine Lessons,
service, A Festival of Nine Lessons,
which is broadcast to millions around the world.
Henry VI was only 19 when he laid the first stone
of the
of the
'College Roial of Oure Lady and Seynt Nicholas'
in Cambridge on Passion Sunday, 1441.
Each choir member's seat featured one of these.
Can you imagine how beautiful it must be when
all of these are lit?
Can you imagine how beautiful it must be when
all of these are lit?
This painting, called "The Adoration of the Magi"
is by Rubens, and hangs at the altarpiece of the Chapel.
is by Rubens, and hangs at the altarpiece of the Chapel.
Henry was murdered in the Tower of London on
21 May 1471. He had inherited two great
kingdoms (England and France) from his father,
and lost them both.
21 May 1471. He had inherited two great
kingdoms (England and France) from his father,
and lost them both.
He had, however, founded two of England's
greatest colleges.
greatest colleges.
It was left to the Tudor kings, Henry VII and
Henry VIII, to achieve the final,
spectacular completion to the Chapel.
Henry VIII, to achieve the final,
spectacular completion to the Chapel.
Now, let's head out into the town and take a look around...
I just adore architecture. I found myself taking
pictures of unique rooflines or buildings which
stood out from the others.
pictures of unique rooflines or buildings which
stood out from the others.
I love the corner turret of this building.
I share this picture, because if you have
ever heard of the expression "pub crawl" this
is the street that that term originated,
ever heard of the expression "pub crawl" this
is the street that that term originated,
King's Street.
A traditional event called The King's Street Pub Run
used to feature a race, where one had to visit
all 19 pubs along this street, down a pint of beer -
and continue on until the end without going to the
bathroom. Some said that participants would
literally be "crawling" to the finish line.
used to feature a race, where one had to visit
all 19 pubs along this street, down a pint of beer -
and continue on until the end without going to the
bathroom. Some said that participants would
literally be "crawling" to the finish line.
It was outlawed in 1964, but saw a new
rejuvenation in 1982.
rejuvenation in 1982.
The record is 14 minutes and 5 seconds.
And now you know.... :)
I was just fascinated with the streets.
These small cobblestoned streets were the norm.
Good thing I didn't have on my high-heeled boots.
These small cobblestoned streets were the norm.
Good thing I didn't have on my high-heeled boots.
Bill getting ready to start his "pub crawl"
at the end of King's Street. LOL
at the end of King's Street. LOL
This bridge is known as Mathematical Bridge.
Built in 1746 by the Mathematical Department.
It is constructed in complete without the use of
nails or other hardware.
Built in 1746 by the Mathematical Department.
It is constructed in complete without the use of
nails or other hardware.
There are over 25 bridges in Cambridge.
The above, Clair Bridge, is the oldest - built in 1640.
The above, Clair Bridge, is the oldest - built in 1640.
One of the reasons why Cambridge was on
our list of "Must See" stops was not so much the
town, the college or the Cathedral -
although they were very enjoyable.
our list of "Must See" stops was not so much the
town, the college or the Cathedral -
although they were very enjoyable.
Rather, we felt is was our American duty to pay
our respects at the Cambridge American Cemetery
a few miles outside of City.
It is one of two European American
cemeteries, which features the remains of
3,812 fallen Americans heroes who
died during WWII.
cemeteries, which features the remains of
3,812 fallen Americans heroes who
died during WWII.
There are another 5,127 names listed on
the Tablets of the Missing.
the Tablets of the Missing.
Pictures nor words cannot put into words the
feelings that pass through you when you take
in the 30.5 pristine acres.
feelings that pass through you when you take
in the 30.5 pristine acres.
My husband, prior military, was especially solemn,
as he walked around the cemetary.
as he walked around the cemetary.
It was a very moving experience.
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