About Cambridge
Cambridge has a long history, dating as far back as 1000 BC, since before the Roman Empire. The Romans invaded Britain around 70 AD, and it is said that they used a hill in Cambridge to defend the River Cam. Romans occupied the area for another 300 or so years, and their inhabitancy is still evident with the many Roman roads and walls around the present day city.
After this period of Roman rule, the Saxons arrived and took over. Saxons were overtaken by the Vikings for a few hundred years, and then power was returned to the Saxons. William I of England (also known as William the Conqueror) arrived in 1068 – shortly after he became King – and began building his castle. At this time the town was referred to as Grentabrige (or Cantabrigge), Granta referred to the river flowing through the town, and brige (or brigge) to the bridge connecting the banks. Later the town’s name changed to Cambridge and the river to the Cam.
Cambridge now boasts a population of nearly 180,000 and tourists dictate that Cambridge is the 10th most visited city in the United Kingdom. Due to the international popularity of The University, Cambridge benefits from a multi-cultural population. Cambridge is twinned with Szeged Hungary and Heidelberg Germany to promote community links and friendship.
The main tourist agency offers almost daily organised walking tours of Cambridge. Some are open to the public and some are private. You may buy tickets in advance or on the day. For more information please visit Visit Cambridge.