Guildhall Street, Cambridge facts for kids
Guildhall Street is a busy street right in the middle of Cambridge, England. At its north end, it meets Market Hill, which is a lively market area. At the south end, it turns into Guildhall Place, which is a short street that doesn't go anywhere (it's called a cul-de-sac). This street is special because it's home to some important buildings and even a cool sculpture!
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What is Guildhall Street?
This street gets its name from the Cambridge Guildhall, a big building on its west side. The Guildhall is where the local government of Cambridge has been located for hundreds of years. On the east side of Guildhall Street, you'll find the Lion Yard shopping centre, a popular place for shopping.
A Glimpse into History
Guildhall Street has a long and interesting past.
Butcher Row: An Old Name
Long ago, this street was known as Butcher Row. This was because it was the main place for the meat market in Cambridge. People would come here to buy fresh meat. The street has been around since at least the 1500s.
Changes Over Time
Over the centuries, the buildings and stalls along Guildhall Street have changed a lot. Many of the biggest changes happened in the 1900s. The current Guildhall building was mostly built in the 1930s. However, this spot has been the centre for Cambridge's local government since the 1300s! Guildhall Place, the short street at the south end, also changed when the Lion Yard shopping centre was built in 1975.
Cool Buildings and Art
Guildhall Street is home to some interesting buildings and even a unique piece of art.
Fisher House
One special building is Fisher House. It's a very old building, built in the late 1500s or early 1600s. It's made with a wooden frame, which was a common way to build houses back then. Today, Fisher House is home to the Cambridge University Catholic Chaplaincy, which is a place for Catholic students at the university. This building is so important that it's listed as a Grade II building, meaning it's protected because of its history.
The Red Cow Pub
You can also find The Red Cow public house (a pub) on Guildhall Street. This building was built in 1898. It has a special style called Jacobethan, which mixes older English building styles. Like Fisher House, The Red Cow is also a Grade II listed building.
The Talos Sculpture
Look out for a cool outdoor sculpture called Talos. It was made by an artist named Michael Ayrton around 1960 and was placed on Guildhall Street in 1973. It's a striking piece of art that adds to the street's character.
