Market Hill, Cambridge

Market Hill, commonly referred to as Market Square, is a notable 203-metre-long street situated in the heart of Cambridge. This historic area serves as the center of daily commerce with an outdoor market that traces its origins back to Saxon times. The market offers a diverse array of products, ranging from clothing and books to fresh fruits, vegetables, second-hand bikes, and mobile phone accessories.

The square has a rich historical backdrop, notably during the Peasants' Revolt in 1381. A significant event occurred when a mob, led by the Mayor of Cambridge and incited by Margery Starre, destroyed the university's ledgers in the square. This act of rebellion was marked by a dance and the defiant cry "Away with the learning of clerks, away with it!"

Originally, Market Hill was densely built up with structures until a transformative fire in 1849 led to the clearance of these buildings. The redevelopment of the square included the addition of a Gothic Revival gabled fountain in 1855, though most of it was demolished in 1953, and its water supply was permanently severed in 1960 due to nearby construction activities.

Today, Market Hill is flanked by significant landmarks. To the west lies Great Saint Mary's, the Cambridge University Church, famous for its towering presence on King's Parade. On the southern edge, the Cambridge Guildhall stands, a structure built in the 1930s. Nearby, the Grand Arcade and Lion Yard shopping centers provide modern shopping experiences, blending the historical with the contemporary in the heart of Cambridge.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Cambridge. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Market Hill
Sight Location: Cambridge, England (See walking tours in Cambridge)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Cambridge Introduction Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Cambridge, England

Create Your Own Walk in Cambridge

Creating your own self-guided walk in Cambridge is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Historical Religious Buildings

Renowned for its academic excellence, Cambridge is also steeped in religious history. It has quite a few churches dating back hundreds of years, some even predating the Anglican Church itself. These historical sanctuaries have stood the test of time and today offer a glimpse into the city's religious and architectural heritage.

Great Saint Mary's Church, a stunning example of English... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles

Cambridge Introduction Walking Tour

Set along the banks of the River Cam in one of the picturesque eastern shires of England, Cambridge is a place that exudes an air of academic excellence and historical charm. For those not particularly well-versed in the annals of English history, Cambridge holds a prominent spot as one of the country's most esteemed academic hubs. The University of Cambridge consistently ranks among the... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles

Colleges of Cambridge University

The University of Cambridge, England's second oldest learning institution, has made Cambridge famous worldwide. The collegiate university is made up of 31 self-governing and independent colleges whose grounds, apart from having been blessed with world-renowned alumni, are also beautifully decorated with lush lawns and terrific Gothic architecture.

Each of these colleges has its unique... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles

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