In 1957, Cambridge was a city that had already spent over a millennium honing its reputation as one of the world’s most prestigious academic centres. Famous for its university, scholarly atmosphere, and stunning architecture, Cambridge in 1957 was both a historical treasure trove and a vibrant university town brimming with the energy of student life. Fast-forward to today, and it’s still a city that blends the old and new, where cutting-edge research coexists with medieval colleges.
But what was it like to explore Cambridge in 1957, armed with nothing more than an antique guidebook? In this article, we’ll travel back in time to look at how a guidebook from that era would have portrayed the city. We’ll also take a peek at how Cambridge’s landmarks, culture, and reputation have evolved over the past 65 years.
1. The Guidebook of 1957: A Snapshot of Cambridge
In 1957, guidebooks were not the sleek, smartphone-accessible treasures we rely on today. Instead, they were printed publications, full of descriptions, recommendations, and historical context. Often written in a style that would make today’s Google reviews seem rather impersonal, they were crafted to appeal to tourists, history buffs, and students looking to make the most of their time in a historic city like Cambridge.
One particular example of such a guidebook from this period is the British Railways Holiday Guide, which includes details of various cities and towns, and is aimed at encouraging British citizens to travel by train to see their country’s heritage. Cambridge, with its centuries of scholarly significance, would have been described in glowing terms.
- Academic Atmosphere: The guidebook in 1957 would have introduced Cambridge as one of the oldest and most renowned university towns in the world, home to the prestigious University of Cambridge. Founded in the 13th century, the university had long been a centre for learning, science, literature, and politics. The guide would likely highlight the colleges—like King’s College, Trinity College, and St John’s College—with their stunning Gothic architecture and historical significance.
- Landmarks: For the 1957 traveller, the guidebook would have listed the city’s iconic landmarks like King’s College Chapel, the Bridge of Sighs, and The Round Church. Cambridge’s punting on the River Cam would have been highly recommended, with the river playing an important part in both the city’s aesthetic and recreational life. The market square would be a hub for bustling activity, where vendors sold everything from local produce to books on history and poetry.
- Cambridge in 1957: 1957 was a period of post-war recovery, and the guidebook would also give a snapshot of the city’s atmosphere, noting the busy students and intellectuals, with a hint of British conservatism. The era was still quite formal in terms of social norms, and the guidebook would likely reflect a more reserved atmosphere in the city compared to modern, more casual Cambridge. There were few signs of the social changes that would sweep across Britain in the following decades.
2. Key Landmarks in 1957: A Glimpse into the Past
- King’s College Chapel: By 1957, King’s College Chapel had been a symbol of Cambridge’s academic excellence for centuries. The guidebook would likely have described the awe-inspiring Gothic architecture, with the magnificent stained-glass windows and the organ music that filled the air during services. The college’s Great Court, with its quadrangles and impressive buildings, would have been mentioned as a place for contemplation, study, and historical reflection. At the time, the chapel was also a spiritual centre for both the students and the wider public.
- Trinity College: One of the oldest and most prominent colleges in Cambridge, Trinity College would have been a focal point in any guidebook, with particular mention of its impressive Great Hall and the Wren Library, which housed invaluable books and manuscripts. The guidebook would certainly have mentioned that Trinity College was associated with some of the greatest minds in history, including Sir Isaac Newton and Lord Byron.
- Punting on the River Cam: A quintessential Cambridge experience, punting was as popular in 1957 as it is today. The guidebook would describe the peaceful Cambridge river scene, where students and visitors alike gently pushed their flat-bottomed boats along the River Cam. The city’s beautiful college backs, reflected in the river’s still waters, would have been seen as a tranquil oasis in an otherwise bustling city.
- The Round Church: The Round Church, or Church of the Holy Sepulchre, would have been noted for its Norman architecture, a rare gem in a city full of medieval buildings. It would have stood out in the guidebook as a spiritual and historical landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into Cambridge’s long-standing religious heritage.
3. The Vibe of Cambridge in 1957: What Was Life Like for the Traveller?
In 1957, life in Cambridge would have been a blend of tradition and academic rigor. The university was still recovering from the challenges of World War II, and the city was in the midst of a period of change, yet still very much rooted in its scholarly past.
- Student Life: Cambridge in the 1950s was a hub of intellectual activity, with students taking part in both academic and social pursuits. The city was full of debates, lectures, and theatre performances, but also with pubs and bookshops that fostered the exchange of ideas. Visitors to the city might have encountered lively discussions about literature, philosophy, and politics in the local cafes.
- The City’s Post-War Atmosphere: After the war, the UK was undergoing economic recovery. In 1957, Cambridge’s architecture still bore the scars of the wartime period, but the grand buildings of the university remained symbols of the past and continuity. The city itself felt like a mix of old-world charm and the budding energy of the post-war era.
4. What’s Changed Since 1957?
While Cambridge has not lost its historic charm or intellectual energy, many things have changed since 1957. The university has become more international, attracting students and faculty from around the globe. The city’s landscape has also transformed with new buildings, but much of its historic beauty remains untouched.
- Technology and Innovation: One of the most significant changes in recent years is Cambridge’s role in technology and innovation. With the development of the Cambridge Science Park and other tech hubs, the city is now a centre for cutting-edge research, particularly in fields like biotechnology and artificial intelligence. A traveller in 1957 would have found the idea of tech startups quite futuristic, but today it is an integral part of Cambridge’s identity.
- Tourism and Accessibility: In 1957, tourism in Cambridge was a relatively niche pursuit for those with an interest in academia or British heritage. Today, the city is a major destination for tourists from all over the world, making it more accessible but also more crowded. The local landscape has seen the addition of modern conveniences such as hotel chains and tourist shops, though the city still preserves its core identity as a haven for learning.
What to Know More?
To dive deeper into the history of Cambridge and explore more about the city’s fascinating past, check out these resources:
- Cambridge: A History by Stephen Taylor
- The History of the University of Cambridge
- The Cambridge Science Park: From History to Modernity
- Travels in Cambridge: A Victorian Guidebook
