Tuesday, 9 December 2014

In Cambridge With A Camera

I often find myself in Cambridge with a camera. I am not alone in that. You'll see more cameras than shopping bags in Cambridge, particularly during the summer months. They mostly all take the same pictures though. So here are some from the archive that I've never seen anybody else taking.....


The view from Castle Hill, looking towards St John's College Chapel. All that remains of the castle in question is a big heap of earth, though there is a pub called The Castle as you can see.


Perhaps the most perfect little church in Cambridge, St Peter's. No longer in use but cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust.


The city is full of nooks and crannies for the inquisitive explorer, some houses being tucked away where they can only be reached by walking down footpaths and passageways.


A floral display outside a pub. Back in the 1970s two friends and I visited all the pubs within the city boundary - all in the interest of research, you understand. I think there were about 120 pubs back then, though somehow my memory is a little hazy about some of the details. We undertook this task on bicycles and, as far as I remember, only fell off once! The pubs haven't survived as well as us - there are now only 85 of them. (If you read this, Graham or Paul, please feel free to contact me with more details!)


A shop selling college scarves and robes, with that well-known building determined to get in on the act.


On the street leading around to King's is this marvellous arrangement of windows which nobody seems to notice, their sights being set upon visiting the Chapel.


And here's an odd and unusual view of King's Parade; the side where the shops are rather than the side with all the college buildings. For those who know Cambridge this view can be sneaked from near the Senate House.


Just a door on the Old Schools building, full of character but suffering from its proximity to grander and more pompous feats of architectural achievement.


And the charm of the ephemeral.
Be Happy!


And take care.

20 comments:

  1. I spent a little time going to Cambridge when I lived in North Essex and loved the different types of architecture. The oak door has to be my favourite from your series of photos though John. I love the little doors within doors where you have to bend your head to get in and lock it behind you. Take care.

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  2. Great tour! What a wonderful town. I'd love to visit someday.

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  3. I was struck by the apparent wide range in ages of the houses set cheek-by-jowl on King's Parade.

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  4. Great shots of Cambridge! Yes it is good to see a different view. I love that little door and the windows.

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  5. From that description you ought to be about my age, and I would have loved to take part in those scientific endeavours. BTW, at about that time I can (partly) remember a pub-crawl from Edinburgh with my future wife ...

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  6. Cambridge is a lovely city and you have the eye for taking the most wonderful photographs.

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  7. If I am ever in Cambridge I want YOU to show me around. I LOVE seeing the sites not frequented by most tourists. I really like the shot of the door on the Old Schools building!

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  8. I'm coming to Cambridge next Spring so enjoyed the pics. Last time I was there was several years back so I shall come armed with the camera too!

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  9. Wonderful! I do miss my day in Cambridge which I used to have every year when my husband spent the day at an exam marking meeting. I love all your photos and recognise most places - so nice to see them from different perspectives and angles:)

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  10. Cambridge is really beautiful John, when we lived in England for a year before we came out to Oz we lived near Oxford also amazing. Your pub crawl reminiscing made me smile.. those were the days :)

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  11. Not a scene there that I remember--definitely some unique and fresh approaches.

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  12. Lovely, as always. I particularly like the little door. I wonder how old it is? It looks rather ancient.

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  13. Oh for some of those flowers and some of that sunshine right now John.

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  14. I love all the chimney pots on the shops on Kings Parade. It's fun to see these less well-known sights.

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  15. Interesting photos! Taking the same old views as everyone else bothers my husband - I don't worry about this because you can often capture an unusual detail, reflection or person that is unique to the moment. The vital thing is to have the camera with you always - especially in Cambridge!

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  16. A wonderful sight-seeing tour. I love seeing the view through your lens.

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  17. Another thoroughly enjoyable photo tour with gentle commentary. I haven't visited Cambridge for years and must rectify that; besides, my wife would like it. The sign in your first photograph was particularly attractive - and I realise the visit must be made while there are still 85 reasons for doing it.

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  18. Nice photo trip.
    Sometimes you don't have to be alone with camera.... but sometimes it is nice to find something what other don't find.

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  19. I do love finding surprises in corners and alcoves! Your tour of the city is lovely with all the old architecture and wonderful windows!

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  20. As always, I enjoy your sense of composition. I am particularly drawn to the doors in Bell's Court--rather unusual to have two such vivid colors side by side.
    The old carved door is a beauty.
    Cambridge figures in so many books I've read--its nice to have a glimpse of the actual place--nothing similar in America.

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