The Backs

The Backs is the name given to a picturesque area of parkland and gardens behind several historic colleges of the University of Cambridge, where their grounds back onto the River Cam. Stretching for about half a mile, this celebrated landscape offers iconic views of college architecture, meticulously maintained gardens, and the river itself, which is central to the area's character and recreational use. It is renowned globally as a quintessential symbol of the University of Cambridge and a major tourist destination, embodying centuries of academic tradition and landscape design.

Geography and location

The area is situated in the heart of Cambridge, directly west of the city's historic centre, with the river forming a gentle curve through the grounds. It is bordered to the north by Bridge Street and to the south by Silver Street, with the backs of the colleges facing westward across the water. The specific colleges whose grounds constitute the landscape include, from north to south, St John's College, Trinity College, Trinity Hall, Clare College, King's College, Queens' College, and Darwin College. The area is seamlessly integrated with other Cambridge landmarks like The Senate House and the Cambridge University Library.

History and development

The land was originally monastic and agricultural, used for grazing and orchards by the medieval colleges established after the founding of the University of Cambridge. Significant transformation began in the 16th century, as colleges like Trinity and St John's expanded their properties. The 18th and 19th centuries saw the most deliberate landscaping efforts, influenced by the English landscape garden movement, with figures like Lancelot "Capability" Brown consulted at St John's. The construction of ornamental bridges, such as the Mathematical Bridge at Queens' and the Bridge of Sighs at St John's, further enhanced the scenic quality during the Victorian era.

Architecture and colleges

The vista is dominated by the sublime Perpendicular Gothic architecture of King's College Chapel, a masterpiece begun under King Henry VI. Other notable structures include the Wren Library at Trinity College, designed by Christopher Wren, and the Clare College bridge, the oldest surviving bridge on the river. The Gothic Revival New Court of St John's, often called the "Wedding Cake", provides a striking 19th-century contrast. These buildings, representing centuries of architectural patronage from Tudor to Edwardian times, create a unique skyline that has been painted by artists including J.M.W. Turner.

Gardens and landscaping

The gardens are a collective work of horticultural art, featuring expansive lawns, mature specimen trees, and vibrant herbaceous borders. Each college maintains its own distinct style, from the formal Fellows' Garden at Clare to the wilder meadows at King's. Notable features include the Great Court lawns, the Orchard at St John's, and the Back Lawn at Queens'. The overall design philosophy emphasizes picturesque, naturalistic views, creating a series of framed landscapes that change dramatically with the seasons, a concept championed by landscape architect Humphry Repton.

The River Cam and punting

The River Cam is the liquid spine of the area, providing both reflective beauty and a popular route for punting. The stretch of water between Magdalene Bridge and Silver Street Bridge is famously known as the College Backs punt tour. Companies like Scudamore's Punting Company offer guided tours, where punters pass under bridges such as the Kitchen Bridge at Trinity and the Garret Hostel Bridge. This tradition, immortalized in works like Rupert Brooke's poetry, offers unique vantage points of the Cambridge University colleges and is a quintessential activity for visitors and students alike, particularly in summer.

Cultural significance and tourism

It is one of the most photographed and visited landscapes in England, symbolizing the idyllic Oxbridge experience. It has featured in numerous films, television series, and literary works, from *A Room with a View* to episodes of Inspector Morse. The area is a cornerstone of Cambridge tourism, drawing millions of visitors annually who walk along the pathways or enjoy events like the Cambridge May Week bumps races. Its preservation is managed by the individual colleges in consultation with bodies like Historic England, ensuring its status as a living monument to English landscaping and academic heritage. Category:Parks and open spaces in Cambridge Category:University of Cambridge Category:Gardens in Cambridgeshire Category:Tourist attractions in Cambridgeshire