An Indie Cambridge article 20 June 2025
The historic Market Square in Cambridge was the centre of commerce and of public life. Until the 1950s this was still the scene of Town and Gown riots every November 5th, a reflection of tensions in the town. As late as 1954 it was reported that homemade bombs were being tossed by the opposing sides and extra police had to be brought in from the County. The November 5th fireworks were moved to Midsummer Common to defuse the situation and today are a much-loved family event and the largest annual gathering of residents in the city.
The Corpus clock, on the corner of Bene't Street and King's Parade, is a reminder not to waste time. It features a scary 'chronophage who eats the hours. Costing £1 million, it was a gift from engineer and inventor John Taylor who said: "I view time as not on our side. He'll eat up every minute of your life and as soon as one is gone he's salivating for the next". Taylor made his fortune from inventing the mechanism that turns off electric kettles once the water has boiled.
The best view in Cambridge is from the top of Great St Mary's tower. Do try it! The tower marks the starting point in 1725 of the first milestones in the country since the Romans times.
Thanks to the late, great Allan Brigham for the history lesson!