The Ancient University City of Cambridge
Cambridgeshire is a beautiful county in the East of England. It’s inland, but is home to The Fens, one of the most important wetlands that provides home for birds and wildlife, and fertile land for much of our organic food.
The Ancient City of Cambridge
Cambridge is arguably a ‘prettier city’ than Oxford, although both are known for their ancient universities. Cambridge is situated on the River Cam, and is home to 31 colleges, a few hidden behind old walls.
The 33 acres of land at Jesus College alone, is home to muntjac deer, sparrowhawks and endangered water voles.
Some of the best known are King’s College (known for its beautiful chapel and choir who perform Christmas carols on TV each year) and Trinity College (this is like a small town with huge courtyards, and holds the personal notebooks of Isaac Newton, a studied who discovered the laws of gravitation).
Other well-known Cambridge University graduates include A.A. Milne (creator of Winnie the Pooh), Bill Oddie (former Goodie and lover of wild birds) and national treasure Sir David Attenborough.
The Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race
The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race began in 1829, covering a 4.2 mile stretch of the Thames, from Putney and Mortlake in London. Each boat has 8 rowers and a coxswain, who steers the boat and sets the race plan.
Over the years, there have been dead heats. In 1912, both boats sank as they filled with water during poor weather. One former rower was Hugh Laurie, in the race when his team (Cambridge) lost, after clashing oars!
