Discovering Cambridge's Time Capsule: A 2,000-Year Journey through Hidden History
The map uses a 1925 Ordnance Survey as its template and lays onto it the location of long-gone buildings such as the medieval Barnwell Priory
A groundbreaking map has recently been released, peeling back the layers of Cambridge's history, spanning over two millennia from the Roman era to the present day. Emerging from a Europe-wide initiative, this project, led by researcher Tony Kirby, illuminates the intricate evolution of Cambridge's urban landscape, focusing on the dynamic interplay between the town and the gown. Drawing on cutting-edge archaeological discoveries, the map offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the city's transformation over the centuries.
Mapping Cambridge's Evolution
At the core of this historical cartography is a 1925 Ordnance Survey of Cambridge, strategically chosen for its ability to capture vanished structures through historic property boundaries. Cambridge, among the most extensively excavated cities in the country, reveals its secrets through meticulous research, resurrecting structures like the medieval Barnwell Priory. The map becomes a vivid canvas, illustrating the ever-changing tapestry of the city.
Delving into the historical amalgamation of residential and commercial spaces, the map navigates the disappearing landmarks of Cambridge. Tony Kirby, former principal history lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University, traces the vanishing brewer's shops, bakeries, and iron foundries, painting a portrait of de-industrialization that has reshaped the cityscape.
It includes historical illustrations, here showing the Market Place in 1801, before the buildings on the right were burned down and cleared in 1849
Castle Hill Area: A Microcosm of Cambridge's Past
The Castle Hill area emerges as a captivating microcosm, unraveling the remnants of Roman walls, cemeteries, and the former town gaol. Schools, both local authority and private, tied to the Anglican church, surprise researchers, turning the map into a time machine unveiling the educational landscape that once defined Cambridge.
Uncovering the King's Ditch
A significant revelation on the map is the likely route of the King's Ditch, a defensive structure potentially predating the Norman Conquest. Tracing its path along iconic streets and under prominent institutions, this historical artifact provides insights into medieval defense strategies and the city's evolving infrastructure.
Roman walls, burials and a fort can be seen in the Castle Hill area of Cambridge, as well as the Norman castle and former prison
Collaborative Efforts and Future Discoveries
The map stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of Tony Kirby and Elizabeth Baigent, highlighting the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in decoding historical mysteries. As the map is unveiled, it beckons further exploration, fostering anticipation for future discoveries that will continue to enrich our understanding of Cambridge's storied past.
Cambridge's hidden history, meticulously unveiled on this newly published map, invites residents and history enthusiasts on a captivating journey through time. From Roman forts to vanished medieval priories, the map serves as a time capsule, urging us to explore the layers of the city's past that have shaped its present. As ongoing archaeological research promises new revelations, the map underscores the enduring importance of preserving and understanding the rich historical heritage woven into the fabric of our cities.
And a late Victorian drawing of Tunwell's Court, a rare 16th Century domestic building restored in 2019 by Peterhouse College