Cambridge in my Heart: River Cam, Bridges and Punting

We all know Cambridge for its famous and historic University. However, Cambridge is far older than the University (of course!). It was said that the original settlement was north of the river, on Castle Hill where they found evidence of pre-Roman activities. But it was the Roman who built the first town as a convenient crossing point of the river Cam. The town used to be a port of then known as River Granta, after the name of the Anglo-Saxon town of Grantebrycge. But later had been modified to Cambridge, and the river was renamed (River Cam) to match.

One of the punting companies, Near Quayside
Magdalene Bridge in the background

This is the site of the original crossings that gave Cambridge its name. Now known as Magdalene Bridge, earlier versions (wooden bridge, then stone bridge to current cast iron bridge) were more commonly referred to as Great Bridge.

Punts for hire

Sarah was the first one to hop on the punt. Definition and description of punt, click here.

Mind your fingers Sarah

Both Sarah and Amar were very excited. Sarah loved to see the ducks and geese. Amar kept on trying to touch the water.

Bridge of Sighs (1831) connecting St John's buildings from the East Bank to the West

From Quayside, we saw the Bridge of Sighs, probably the most well-known bridge in Cambridge. It is named after the Bridge of Sighs of Venice. Although the locals jest that the bridge was named in reference to the sound that Cambridge students make as they cross the bridge on their way out of exams.

Kitchen Bridge (1709)

The second oldest of Cambridge's remaining bridges, based on plans made by Sir Christopher Wren, built by Robert Grumbold. Also linking St John's college. Kitchen Bridge (named after the lane it followed the line of, Kitchen Lane) which is to the south of the Bridge of Sighs was also known as the Wren Bridge.

Babah and Sarah on the punt

If you see closely in the background, you will see Bridge of Sighs and Kitchen Bridge.

The "wedding cake" as seen from the punt

Trinity College Bridge (1764)

Designed by James Essex. It replaced a stone bridge built in 1651.

Garret Hostel Lane Bridge (1960)

Situated between Trinity College and Trinity Hall College. This is the main thoroughfare for pedestrians and cyclists between the west side and the centre of Cambridge because it is the only bridge in this area which is public. The bridge is steep, supposedly to slow down cyclists, but because of the volume of traffic it is dangerous for all. It replaced an earlier bridge in order to allow vehicular access.

Jerwood Library, Trinity Hall College (opened in 1999)

It was said that the design of the building was based on a ship.

Clare College Bridge (1640)

Built by Thomas Grumbold. It is the oldest of Cambridge's current bridges.

It survives as the oldest due to all its contemporaries being destroyed by the parliamentarian forces in the civil war, to make the town of Cambridge more defensible. A common anecdote told about the bridge is that surrounding the missing section of the second from the left southern globe on the bridge. It is rumoured that the builder of the bridge received (what he considered to be) insufficient payment, and in his anger, removed a segment of the globe giving it the appearance of a semi-consumed orange. ~source Wikipedia~

A line of punts, photo taken from King's College bridge

King's College Bridge (1819)

Designed by William Wilkins and built by Francis Braidwood. The first bridge on the site was built in the 15th century. It has been rebuilt several times before the current structure.

Mathematical Bridge, Queens' College (1902) (the original was built in 1749)

We have reached to the end of our route before the chauffeur turned back to Quayside. The Mathematical Bridge's history and myths were very interesting. It was first built in 1749 by James Essex, designed by William Etheridge. Then it has been rebuilt on two occassions 1867 and 1902, but both keeping the same overall design.

The chauffeur told us that the bridge was a self sustaining bridge, built without bolts and nuts. designed and built by the ingenious Isaac Newton. We believed him. But after my research from the internet, what the chauffeur told us was only a tale. For more thorough history of this bridge, click here.

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So there you are, all the bridges we saw during our excursion in River Cam. Sarah wanted to go on more rides. We had to create excuses because it was quite expensive and it was raining. Anyway, once was more than enough for us. It was a great experience riding on the punt and for now, I do not wish to go to Venice anymore.