Black Death, a tale of Death and Disease in Cambridge

The initial Black Death (1347–1351) pandemic shattered the lives of half the population in Europe and arrived in Cambridge through traders and travellers. Century after century, Cambridge faced the recurring threat of the same epidemic.

Walking through the streets of Cambridge, we will explore the causes of the plague, the beliefs people clung to, the desperate remedies offered, and the role of priests and monks as caregivers—many of whom lost their lives tending to the sick. We’ll also uncover how the Colleges responded by training a new generation of clergy to meet the growing spiritual need.

Our Green Badge Guides will bring to life the devastating impact on the town and university and how Cambridge, like so many places, was forced to adapt and rebuild. This tour is offered in multiple languages (English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Mandarin).

What landmarks are included?

Depending on the length of the tour, we will see the Castle Hill area, Magdalene Bridge and the Quayside, St Clement’s Church, the Round Church, St John’s College, Trinity College, Gonville & Caius College with its Gate of Honour, Great St Mary’s Church, St Edward’s King and Martyr Church, Peas Hill and the Market Square, St Bene’t’s Church, the Eagle Pub, Corpus Christi College, St Botolph’s Church and Pembroke College.

Length: 2 hours.

"Plague & Piety: The Black Death in Medieval Cambridge"