Girton

Girton: A Historic Village with Academic Roots

Girton is a village located about 2 miles (3 km) northwest of Cambridge, England. Known for its rich history and as the home of Girton College, this village offers a unique blend of rural charm and academic prestige.

Location

Historical Background

Girton’s history dates back over a millennium. The village was listed as “Grittune” around 1060 and in the Domesday Book. Its name is derived from Old English, meaning “farmstead or village on gravelly ground”, reflecting its location on a gravel ridge.Archaeological evidence suggests human habitation in the area for over 2,000 years. The village lies on the Via Devana, an ancient Roman road, and a cemetery with at least 225 burials from the 2nd century AD to the early Anglo-Saxon period was discovered nearby.

Girton College

The village is perhaps best known as the home of Girton College, one of the 31 constituent colleges of the University of Cambridge. Founded in 1869 by Emily Davies and Barbara Bodichon, Girton College was the first women’s college in Cambridge. It became coeducational in 1976, marking a significant milestone in the university’s history.The main college site, situated on the outskirts of Girton village, comprises 33 acres (13 hectares) of land. Most of the buildings were designed by architect Alfred Waterhouse between 1872 and 1887 in a typical Victorian red-brick style.

Village Life

Girton has a population of about 4,500 people living in approximately 1,600 households. The village maintains a strong sense of community, with several amenities and points of interest:

1. St Andrew’s Church: The parish church, dedicated to Saint Andrew since at least 1240, features elements from various periods, including 11th-century stones and 15th-16th century rebuilding.
2. Public Houses: Girton has three pubs – the Old Crown (opened around 1840), The George (formerly the George and Dragon, opened in the 1850s), and The Traveller’s Rest.
3. Education: In addition to Girton College, the village has a primary school, Girton Glebe, built in 1951, and Gretton School, a special school for pupils with autism spectrum disorders.
4. Village Sign: Erected in 1985, the village sign on the corner of Redgate Road and Cambridge Road features a design that incorporates various elements of Girton’s history and character.

Natural Environment

Girton is known for its diverse wildlife, including the rare black squirrel, a variant of the grey squirrel. The village’s location on the edge of Cambridge provides a balance between rural and urban environments.

Governance

Girton has its own Parish Council, established in 1894, which consists of 15 members as of 2022. The village is part of the Girton ward in South Cambridgeshire District Council, along with Dry Drayton and Madingley.

Conclusion

Girton offers a unique blend of academic prestige, historical significance, and village charm. Its proximity to Cambridge, combined with its own rich history and community life, makes it an attractive location for residents and visitors alike. From its ancient roots to its modern role as home to a prestigious Cambridge college, Girton continues to play an important part in the broader Cambridge area.