Market Hill, Cambridge

Market Hill, commonly referred to as Market Square, is a notable 203-metre-long street situated in the heart of Cambridge. This historic area serves as the center of daily commerce with an outdoor market that traces its origins back to Saxon times. The market offers a diverse array of products, ranging from clothing and books to fresh fruits, vegetables, second-hand bikes, and mobile phone accessories.

The square has a rich historical backdrop, notably during the Peasants' Revolt in 1381. A significant event occurred when a mob, led by the Mayor of Cambridge and incited by Margery Starre, destroyed the university's ledgers in the square. This act of rebellion was marked by a dance and the defiant cry "Away with the learning of clerks, away with it!"

Originally, Market Hill was densely built up with structures until a transformative fire in 1849 led to the clearance of these buildings. The redevelopment of the square included the addition of a Gothic Revival gabled fountain in 1855, though most of it was demolished in 1953, and its water supply was permanently severed in 1960 due to nearby construction activities.

Today, Market Hill is flanked by significant landmarks. To the west lies Great Saint Mary's, the Cambridge University Church, famous for its towering presence on King's Parade. On the southern edge, the Cambridge Guildhall stands, a structure built in the 1930s. Nearby, the Grand Arcade and Lion Yard shopping centers provide modern shopping experiences, blending the historical with the contemporary in the heart of Cambridge.