Cambridge on the Web
Cambridge on the Web
History
Currently famous as the home of the University of Cambridge, Cambridge is believed to have first been a settlement area for people of the Belgic tribe. There is evidence that the Belgic people were already settled in Cambridge as of the 1st century. However, at that time there were no major developments. The first major development n Cambridge was thanks to the invasion of Romans in Britain back in AD 40. Thanks to Castle Hill area, Cambridge became one of the useful areas for the military to defend River Cam. Castle Hill was also linked Colchesster with the north and Lincoln. During their invasion, the Romans developed walled enclosures and roads which up to date are visible in the area. Romans left Cambridge in around AD 400 and afterwards Cambridge was invaded again but this time by Saxons.
The Romans had named the area around Castle Hill, Duroliponte which means bridge over and when the Saxons took over they renamed to area to Grantabrycge which means bridge over Granta. Cambridge during the Anglo-Saxon period benefited the trade links and it flourished until the 7th century. However, Cambridge was resurrected when Vikings arrived in the area. Once the Vikings were settled in the area, they moved lot of activity from the Castle Hill to an area which currently is known as Quayside directly opposite Castle Hill.
In 1066, England was conquered and two years down, Castle Hill saw the construction of castle being built by William of Normandy. Cambridge like the other areas of England became under the rule of the Norman King and his subordinates. During the Norman times, the name of Cambridge town was mutated a number of times to Cantebrigge or Grentabridge. Later, the town became to be known as Cambridge but River Cam remained as Granta