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Travel Journal #8: An enchanting peek at the University of Cambridge

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Kathleen Ferrero
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
For many, Cambridge evokes memories of drinking, dancing and having fun. But setting a few hours aside to explore the University of Cambridge is worth your time and money. 

I paid 10 pounds for a two-hour jaunt through the university's colleges and history, including Kings College Chapel. 

The spectacular architecture and landscaping - much of it tucked behind ancient doors along narrow roads in the city -- was impressive. But what made it worth 20 bucks was the colorful narrative of our informed tour guide. 

"So that's what you've learned today," our guide said inside the Kings College Chapel after pointing out that the "serpent" tempting Eve in one stained glass window was not a snake, but another woman. "Women are wicked." 

From the pub where the discovery of DNA was first announced to the illicit evidence of Anne Boleyn's crown, history comes alive through the guides' enthusiastic storytelling. 

The guide leads you down stone roads and alleys to peek into the learning spheres of the University of Cambridge's colleges. 

Cambridge was founded in 1209. By the late 13th century, students were ducking away from class and getting into trouble or, even worse, starving. So the first college was built to house university pupils. Eventually, 30 colleges were added. 

Each college is a small community that nurtures and cultivates learning. Strict rules girded the colleges to maintain order. 

As recently as the 1950s, barbed wire fences and barred windows would force students who stayed out after 10 p.m. to climb to the dorm roof to get in. In the 1960s, pupils still had to wear sleeping gowns. Women weren't admitted into men's college until 1971.
Now the vice chancellor is a woman, and the students have keys. 

Kings College Chapel has also ministered to students throughout the centuries. It was founded in 1441 by Henry VI. That Henry didn't get to witness its completion, but the next two seized it with flair. 

Tudor flamboyance fills the chapel. The crest and rose are stamped throughout the sanctuary. On the dark English oak leading to the choir section, a carved "RA" reveals an uncommon relic of Anne Boleyn's reign alongside Henry VIII. After becoming convinced of her infidelity, he had ordered the destruction of all evidence of her. 

Henry VIII's Cambridge legacy is the establishment of Trinity College in 1546.
A marvel of antiquated buildings, including an old clock tower, surrounds a center square garden where Sir Isaac Newton and other Nobel Prize winners stuck their noses in books. Today, Trinity is considered one of the most prestigious colleges in the university. 

I have to admit; I was skeptical about paying 10 pounds to see more old buildings. And after a while, chapels start to look the same. 

But I'm so glad that I did. A stroll through Cambridge with a knowledgeable guide provides an enchanting peek into this academic splendor. 

The University of Cambridge visitor information center, located in Market Square, provides a variety of recreational options, including self-guided walks, ghost walks and punting, museums and gardens. For more information, visit the Web site at www.cam.ac.uk/visitors/places.html or call 01223 457574.