The University of Cambridge is one of the oldest universities in the world - and the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world after Oxford.  The university was founded in 1209 as a result of a dispute between Oxford scholars and local townsfolk resulted in their exodus to a "school" in Cambridge to begin post-graduate teaching.  Cambridge was born.

Today, Cambridge is arguably the most prestigious university in the United Kingdom, though often vying with Oxford for this mantle.  Affiliates of the University of Cambridge have won 83 Nobel prizes, more than any other university in the world.  The university is organized around "colleges" - students apply to and are accepted at a college that becomes the center of their academic and social life.  The King's College Chapel is perhaps the most visited and well-known Cambridge landmark.  Tourists also frequent the gardens of Emannuel College. St. John's College is famous for having a dining hall that resembles the one in the Harry Potter films.

Any time in the UK should include a jaunt out to Cambridge by train or bus ("coach") from London.  The university wears its history on its sleeve, with its massive buildings and immaculately manicured lawns evoking a different era.  Wandering around the various colleges, punting on the river, and soaking in the atmosphere make for a great day trip. Although Cambridge is a private institution, a small fee can be paid for admission and a guidebook to many of the colleges.

Colleges and dates founded:
Peterhouse 1284 A.D.
Clare 1326 A.D.
Pembroke 1347 A.D.
Gonville & Caius 1348 A.D.
Trinity Hall 1350 A.D.
Corpus Christi 1352 A.D.
King's 1441 A.D.
Queens' 1448 A.D.
St. Catharine's 1473 A.D.
Jesus 1496 A.D.
Christ's 1505 A.D.
St. John's 1511 A.D.
Magdalene 1542 A.D.
Trinity 1546 A.D.
Emmanuel 1584 A.D.
Sidney Sussex 1594 A.D.
Downing 1800 A.D.
Newnham 1871 A.D.
Fitzwilliam 1869 A.D.
Girton 1869 A.D.
Selwyn 1882 A.D.
Hughes Hall 1885 A.D.
Churchill 1960 A.D.