How was the position of Castle Hill beneficial for settlers?
Good vantage point over river crossing. Fought over among the local tribes. Helpful in establishing trading activity and collecting taxes.
What were the benefits of the river for settlers?
Natural crossroads. Easy river transport. Main route into Britain from the North Sea. Lowest bridging point at Castle Hill. Natural defence for Romans against rebellions. 'Duriloponte' - town by the boggy river.
What were the attractions of the fens?
Northern Fens were rich in fowl, fish and plant matter. The Domesday book: valuable food sources and building materials. Periodic flooding, excellent for fattening cattle. South and east - richly fertile agricultural lands. West - clay. Romans drained the marshy fenland so it could be used for farming.
What did the Romans call Cambridge in AD60?
Duriloponte (town by the boggy river)
What did the Saxon's call Cambridge in 600s?
Grantacaestir (castle by the muddy river)
What did the Saxons call Cambridge in 1875?
Granta brycge
When did the Romans invade?
43AD
What caused the Roman fortifications to be strengthened in AD60?
Boudica's rebellion
How did the Romans improve their defences in 4th century, against the Anglo-Saxons?
They built stronger walls, gates and watchtowers
How many houses did William the Conqueror order to be knocked down?
27
When did Edward I rebuild the stone gatehouse? What was it used as?
1284, gaol
What did Bede call the town at the end of the 7th century?
A little ruined city called Grantacaestir
Who built the bridge in the 8th century?
Offa of Mercia
What did Henry I's writ give Cambridge in 1131?
A monopoly over local waterborne trade, chief port in the shire
When did Scholars flee to Cambridge to set up the University?
1209
When was Peterhouse set up?
1284
When was Cambridge recognised as a 'Stadium Genenrale' by the Pope?
1318
Example of focus shifting from trade to education
The growth of the Uni swept quays out the way, so they were focussed at Quayside.
Since when were wooden churches being rebuilt in stone?
From 12th century
Which king started King's College? When? Why?
Henry VI, 1441, to educate priests against heretical ideas in Europe
When was King's College finished?
1485
How many colleges were founded before 1540?
15
When was Great St. Mary's Church built?
1205
Who rebuilt Great St. Mary's church with a more lavish design? When?
John Fisher, Early 16th Century
How many monasteries had land used to build Trinity College?
24
How did King's College show the Tudors' power?
It included many Tudor roses and symbols
What was the largest, oldest monastery in Cambridge?
Barnwell Priory
What trade fair did Barnwell Priory hold?
Midsummer's Fair
What was the only convent in Cambridge?
St. Ragedund
Why was Cambridge more popular with the monarchs than Oxford?
Scholars helped with Henry VIII's break with Rome in 1528.
How was Colchester similar to Cambridge?
It had Roman walls and many other Roman influences. Built defences around a river. Named after river (Coln).
How was York's castle different to Cambridge?
It was rebuilt and refurbished for much longer due to longer military threat.
How was Godmanchester's trade different to Cambridge?
It did not have a Market Square
How was York's trade similar to Cambridge?
Had trading festivals or fairs. Traded internationally. Used river trade.
How was Oxford University similar to Cambridge?
College systems, each college with a basic layout of chapel, hall and library.
How was Oxford different from Cambridge?
Oxford has gothic towers with spires, Cambridge has Tudor style churches. More money went to Cambridge from the reformation.
Atypical churches in Cambridge
Round Church has Romanesque style. St Bene't's is large for Anglo Saxon church.
Who was called 'a hungry lion, a ravening wolf, a filthy hog' wolf' by the monks of Ely?
Sheriff Picot
What does the School of Pythagoras reveal about people's lives?
It is the oldest secular stone building, owned by the Dunning family, a wealthy tradesman. This shows the importance of trade.
What does Queens' College reveal about students lives?
The library was on the first floor, so it didn't get flooded, showing importance of reading. The rooms were cold, and people used trundle beds. Students would have met in the main hall where there was a fireplace.
Where did people discuss their thoughts about the reformation?
White Horse Inn, 'Little Germany'
Challenges of studying the castle
Only the motte has survived. There have been many different castles on Castle Hill. The use of the castle has changed. Stone from the castle was re-used in some of the University.
Benefits of studying the castle
Paintings of Edwardine stone gate house. Geological remains of the motte, location so vantage point. Excavations have shed light on its origin.
Benefits of studying the Market Square
Street names remain, e.g. Petty cury
Challenges of studying the Market Square
Located in city centre and still in use, so excavations are difficult.
Benefits of studying the Colleges
Literates keep track of the site. Association with the monarchy means buildings with patronage are still in use today. 1270 Hundred Rolls are useful.