The Historic City of Cambridge
Cambridge is a city with a rich history. You will be amazed by so many stories related to intellectual achievement and innovation whose impact shaped not just this wonderful city, but the whole world.
Here we invite you to discover this city with places related to lady Margaret Beaufort, as well as other historic sites.
Lady Margaret Beaufort (1443-1509) was a key figure in the Wars of the Roses and the matriarch of the Tudor dynasty through her son, King Henry VII of England. Her influence extended beyond the political sphere into education and religion, particularly in Cambridge, where she founded colleges and supported educational initiatives. Her impact in Cambridge is profound, and several places, buildings, and objects can be attributed to her legacy.
St John's College
Lady Margaret Beaufort founded St John's College in 1511, through her executors, as she passed away in 1509. The college was established on the site of the medieval Hospital of St John and was intended to be a place of learning and education for young men in the arts and theology.
The Gate of Honour: this is the main entrance to the College and features a statue of Lady Margaret in the forecourt, symbolizing her as the founding patron.
Lady Margaret's Room: located within the college, this room is named in her honour and used for various college functions.
The Chapel: the College Chapel has several references to Lady Margaret, including memorials and stained-glass windows commemorating her life and contributions.
The Old Library: here you will find Lady Margaret’s Book of Hours, an illuminated prayer book owned by Lady Margaret herself. This prized possession of St John's College is a fine example of medieval art and devotion, reflecting her faith.
Christ's College
Lady Margaret refounded Godshouse as Christ’s College in 1505.
The Chapel: inside, you can find references to Lady Margaret, including a stained-glass window depicting her.
Portraits and Memorials: the college houses portraits and memorials dedicated to Lady Margaret Beaufort, celebrating her contribution to the college and Cambridge.
Wall paintings: in 2023, workers restoring a loft space at Christ’s College uncovered 16th-century wall paintings that hadn’t been seen in nearly three centuries. Among these, the portcullis, the badge of the Beaufort family, is prominently featured.
Historical and Cultural Sites
St John's Bridge
St John's Bridge, also known as the Bridge of Sighs, is a picturesque, covered bridge at St John's College, Cambridge. Inspired by the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, it's one of the most iconic and photographed landmarks in Cambridge.
The Corpus Clock
The Corpus Clock is a large sculptural clock with a distinctive appearance, symbolizing the passage of time and the relentless pressure of modern life. It's a modern landmark representing innovation in design and engineering.
Cambridge University Botanic Garden
A place of beauty and scientific research, the garden houses over 8,000 plant species and serves as a living library of biodiversity and conservation efforts.
A wealth of museums and galleries to explore
For students and visitors alike, Cambridge offers a wealth of museums and galleries to explore, from the Fitzwilliam Museum, housing world-class collections of art and antiquities, to more specialized museums like the Whipple Museum of the History of Science and the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, each offering insights into different facets of human knowledge and achievement.
Cambridge is also home to famous pubs, such as The Green Dragon, where J.R.R. Tolkien wrote parts of "The Hobbit," and the meadows where Virginia Woolf, Ludwig Wittgenstein, Bertrand Russell, and other renowned philosophers gathered to discuss and develop their ideas.
These destinations in Cambridge not only highlight the city's contributions to education, culture, and science but also allow visitors to immerse themselves in the intellectual vibrancy that has characterized Cambridge for centuries. Here, one can experience firsthand the places where history has been made and where the future is being imagined. The city's atmosphere is charged with a sense of possibility, encouraging all who visit to dream big, ask questions, and pursue their passions.
