Cambridge in Chunks: the Granta

The city of Cambridge appears to be named as the place where a bridge crosses the river Cam. However, when the famous university was first founded in 1209, the settlement was actually called Grantebrycge, meaning bridge over the river Granta. When the city later changed its name to Cambridge, the part of the river that flows through the city became the river Cam, meaning the river is actually named after the city.

The river Granta is still the name given to the upper reaches of the river, from its source near Widdington, to where it becomes the Cam to the south of Grantchester. However, some locals would say the actual point where the Granta becomes the Cam is at the Silver Street bridge.

The river’s historical name can be seen throughout the city of Cambridge. The previously mentioned village of Grantchester is named after the river, as is the popular Granta pub. The university also releases a literary magazine with the name “Granta” and many local businesses also use Granta in their name.