5 Historical Places to Visit in Cambridgeshire by Paul Rance

5 Historical Places to Visit in Cambridgeshire
By Paul Rance

Though not one of England's biggest counties, in terms of size and population, Cambridgeshire's county town is the historic city of Cambridge, which is one of the most famous university cities in the world. Other famous places in Cambridgeshire are the town of Oliver Cromwell's birth, Huntingdon, and the city of Peterborough, which is the most heavily populated town or city in the county. Though becoming a unitary authority in 1998, Peterborough is still tied to the county, with the city's police force and fire service coming under the jurisdiction of Cambridgeshire.

Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge

The Fitzwilliam Museum is one of the most impressive museums outside of London. It was founded in 1816, when Viscount Fitzwilliam bequeathed £100,000 and both his library and personal collections. The museum includes work from Ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt, as well as a wide range of pottery. Work from great artists such as Rembrandt, Raphael, Monet, van Gogh, and Titian can also be seen here. Admission is free.

Ely Cathedral

Called the Ship of the Fens, Ely Cathedral is so-called because of how it appears, when viewed in the flat Fens. A magnificent sight, this Anglo-Norman cathedral is one of the most impressive cathedrals in the whole of the UK. Ely Cathedral was also named as one of the Seven Wonders of the World in medieval times. Around a quarter of a million people visit the cathedral every year.

King's College Chapel, Cambridge

Work began on the chapel, the most striking building in Cambridge, during the reign of Henry VI, in 1446. The building was finally completed in 1515 in the first few years of Henry VIII's reign. King's College Chapel is still used for worship, and is the chapel of one of Cambridge University's most famous colleges, King's.

Cromwell Museum, Huntingdon

Opened in 1962, the Cromwell Museum was originally a grammar school that was attended by Samuel Pepys and Oliver Cromwell. Another museum with free admission, the Cromwell Museum has a fascinating collection of items revolving around Cromwell and his time.

Peterborough Cathedral 2018 - a photograph by Paul Rance

Peterborough Cathedral

Probably a cathedral that is even more impressive than Ely's, the most notable aspect of the Norman Peterborough Cathedral is its highly impressive nave. Two abbeys had previously existed on the site, with work beginning on the current cathedral in 1118. Building was completed in 1238. Henry VIII's first wife, Catherine of Aragon, is buried in the cathedral, and Mary Queen of Scots was also originally buried here. The official name of Peterborough Cathedral is the Cathedral Church of St Peter, St Paul and St Andrew.

Further Reference:

Heritage Britain: Places to Visit in Cambridgeshire, England.