Cambridge history

Cambridge has a very compact city centre and it medieval core is dominated by the university and its many associated buildings, many of which are important historic and cultural attractions, in their own right. Some of these are open to the public, most famously King's College Chapel.

Cambridge University owes its existence to scholars from Oxford University who fled here in the early 13th century, escaping the hostile town folk of Oxford. In 1284 the Bishop of Ely founded Peterhouse, the first college of the University. Royal patronage followed with King's College Chapel, begun in 1446 by King Henry VI.