Short Description
The Backs consists of the lawns and gardens to the rear of the colleges associated with Cambridge University. Features of The Backs include riverside walks and lawns.
Detailed Description
The Backs, now a world famous landscape was originally part of the town drain and a commercial waterway for barges on the Cam until 1750. The 10 hectare (24 acre) site, which stretches between Queen's College and St John's College, was landscaped in the 18th and 19th century.Although the Backs are individually owned by the colleges several plans were drawn up for an overall landscape scheme notably by Lancelot Brown in 1779 which was never executed. The site features riverside walks and lawns, overhung by trees.
- Features
- Lawn
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- Walk
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- Access & Directions
Access Contact Details
The Backs consists of the lawns and gardens to the rear of the colleges associated with Cambridge University. The public is allowed to traverse the historic park.
- History
History
The area now known as The Backs was landscaped during the 18th century.
Detailed History
The area known as The Backs was landscaped in 1750.
- Contact
- References
References
- Cambridgeshire Gardens Trust {The Gardens of Cambridgeshire} (Huntingdon: Cambridgeshire Gardens Trust, 2000)The Gardens of Cambridgeshire
Contributors
Cambridge Gardens Trust