Celebrate Local History Month in Cambridge!

Celebrate Local History Month in Cambridge!

Celebrate Local History Month in Cambridge!

Did you know May is local history month? If you’re lucky enough to be in the historic city of Cambridge for this fantastic event, you’re in for a treat! If you’re not aware of what local history month is about, it’s an opportunity to increase your knowledge of the local history in your area.

Activities take place across the UK and include trips, exhibitions and lectures at local venues or via video conferencing. It’s a great way to learn some interesting facts about your home town or the town you might be staying in with CheckedInn. You can check out what’s on near you here.

 

Why 2021 is the perfect time to explore your local area

We know that for most of us, the last twelve months have meant abiding by lockdown restrictions and staying local, so on the face of it, you might feel you’ve done more than your fair share of exploring your local town during this period. However, there is probably a lot more history than you realise in your local town.

Here at CheckedInn, we’ve put together a list of hidden gems you might not have spotted around Cambridge, but you probably frequently walk past without realising their uniqueness:

 

Hobson’s conduit

The conduit that can be found on Trumpington Street is centuries old and is thought to have been built between 1610-1614 by Thomas Hobson. It was used to bring fresh water into the city from the springs at nine wells. You can follow it overground until it reaches the botanic gardens, and it ends at Silver Street.

Cambridge University
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Air-raid shelter

The shelter, which can be found on Davy Road, was used during World War II to protect members of the Cambridge community during airstrikes and bombings. Unfortunately, the entrance is now blocked off, so the inside cannot be explored.

 

Paving stones on King’s Parade

Walking down King’s Parade, you are probably gazing at the Chapel or College’s fascinating architecture rather than looking down at your feet. But, if you do look down, you might see a piece of recent history—a slab installed by German Artist Ekkehard Altenburger around 2001.

 

St Bene’t’s Church

Cambridge as a whole feels pretty ancient, but did you know St Bene’t’s Church is the oldest building in the city at around 1000 years old? It’s also the oldest church in the whole country. It’s thought to have been built between 1000-1050.

 

The former flat of Professor Stephen Hawking

The late theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking lived in the flat with his second Elaine Mason from 1990-2000. The ground floor flat was modified specifically for Professor Hawkings and included a brass plate to the bottom of the front door to prevent knocks and scrapes from his wheelchair, and the oak flooring he requested is still in place today.

If this has inspired you to get out and about to find some of Cambridge’s hidden gems, then you can find out more about Local History Month on the Historical Associations website. Where you can view a complete list of local events and find out more about your local area. As @drlauraimola recently quoted, “We have this one life to appreciate the grand design of the universe, and for that, I am extremely grateful #stephenhawking” Happy exploring!