The Backs

Categories: University of Cambridge

The Backs, or the Backs of the Colleges refers to an area of Cambridge at the rear of several colleges by the River Cam. Specifically, the region in question consists of the rear grounds of the following colleges:

• Queens'
• King's
• Clare
• Trinity Hall
• Trinity
• St John's

The area is notably pleasant, not least because of the river running through it and the way in which the college grounds are maintained, including expansive lawns and gardens. Historically, much of the land was used by the colleges for more down-to-earth purposes such as grazing livestock, or growing fruit. The river was also an important commercial thoroughfare, and a towpath was maintained beside it into the nineteenth century.

References

• Frank Stubbings, Bedders, Bulldogs and Bedells: A Cambridge Glossaryfr:The Backs