King's Parade facts for kids
Looking north along King's Parade to the Senate House (left) and Great St Mary's church (right), 2004
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 Location in Central Cambridge
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| Former name(s) | High Street |
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| Location | Cambridge, United Kingdom |
| Postal code | CB2 |
| Coordinates | 52°12′17″N 0°07′04″E / 52.2046°N 0.1177°E |
| North end | Trinity Street |
| South end | Trumpington Street |
King's Parade is a famous street in the heart of Cambridge, England. It connects to Trinity Street and St John's Street to the north. To the south, it becomes Trumpington Street. This street is a very popular spot for tourists. It's also a busy route for students and cyclists in the University of Cambridge area.
On the west side of King's Parade, you'll find King's College. The street gets its name from this college. You can see the impressive Chapel from the street. Just north of the college is the Senate House. This building is mainly used for university graduation ceremonies. The area around it is sometimes called Senate House Hill. Across from the Senate House is Great St Mary's. This is the historic church of the University.
Contents
History of King's Parade
King's Parade has a long and interesting history. It was once known as High Street. Many important events and changes have happened here over the centuries.
Early Meeting Places
In the 1500s, a place called the White Horse Tavern was located near King's Parade. It was on a lane called King's Lane. This tavern was a secret meeting spot for English reformers. They met there to talk about new religious ideas. The tavern was later taken down in 1870. Today, a special blue plaque at King's College marks where it used to be.
Famous Bookshops
At the southern end of King's Parade, there was once a famous bookshop called Bowes & Bowes. It was located at 1 Trinity Street. This shop might be the oldest bookshop in the United Kingdom. People have been selling books on that spot since 1581! The Bowes & Bowes shop closed in 1986. Now, the Cambridge University Press bookshop is in that building.
Changes to the Street
In the 1830s, the King's College Gatehouse and Screen were built. This changed the west side of the street a lot. Many older buildings were removed to make way for the new college structures.
Today, the east side of King's Parade has many shops. Most of these shops cater to tourists. For example, you can find the Primavera Gallery and gift store here. Small passages like St Mary's Passage and St Edward's Passage also lead off King's Parade.
Notable Buildings and Businesses
Number 1 King's Parade is on the corner of King's Parade and Bene't Street. In the early 1900s, it was a dressmaker's shop. Later, in the 1950s and 1960s, it became Millers Wine Parlour. Famous poet Sylvia Plath was known to visit this wine parlour. Over the years, it has been home to different businesses. Today, a restaurant called The Cambridge Chop House is located there.
In the 1970s, Chris Curry rented offices at 6 King's Parade. Here, he started a company with Sir Clive Sinclair. This company was important in the early days of home computers in the UK. Today, the building is home to the Inner Space Meditation Centre.
At the very south end of King's Parade, near Corpus Christi College, you can see the Corpus Clock. This is a unique and artistic clock that was put up in 2008. It has become a popular sight for visitors.
Panoramic View
Images for kids
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King's College Chapel from King's Parade.
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The King's College Gatehouse, built in the neo-Gothic style, as seen from King's Parade.
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The Senate House viewed from King's Parade.
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Great St Mary's, the University Church, opposite the Senate House on King's Parade.
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A Victorian pillar box by the main gate of King's College on King's Parade.
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King's College Chapel in the snow from the north of King's Parade.
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Historical photograph of the same scene.
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View of King's Parade looking south from the Senate House.
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