Walk along the line of the course of the 'grandfather' of the Cam heading in the upstream direction over Jesus Green and towards Jesus College. Remember that the grandfather is likely to have been flowing across a land surface that was several metres higher than the present surface of the Green.

As you pass by the great gates of Jesus College, take a look at the coat of arms for the college. Jesus College used to be a nunnery called St Radegund's. In the late 1400's the Bishop of Ely - Bishop Alcock - shut it down as there was allegedly only one nun left. He then turned it into a college, which is why you can see black cockerels in various places throughout Jesus College and on the coat of arms - it was Bishop Alcock's symbol.

Ivy covers the gates of Jesus College

Although Cambridge was founded way back in AD 70 the university didn't come to the city till the early 1200's. After riots between 'town and gown' in Oxford the students fled to Cambridge. One of the reasons they came to Cambridge was because it was already a well established town that had been around for centuries. It was an important, prosperous regional centre and an inland port. It was described in documents as a port until 1300… It's hard to imagine the pleasant river where tourists go punting or sit by eating ice cream as the commercial heart of the town. It would have been full of boats - and it would have stank, it was full of sewage!

The students came to Cambridge because it had facilities. The town didn't need the students, the students needed the town! The university didn't make Cambridge at all - it was very happy without the students - it would have been like Bury St Edmunds or Bedford - a regional centre. As the university grew it became something quite unique and different. But even so - the university was a late-comer!

As you walk past Jesus College you'll see that the gates and railings are covered with ivy. Ivy is a native species and flowers late which helps birds to build up resources of food before winter. It provides food for wasps, flies, beetles, moths and it also supports the 'holly blue butterfly'.

Keep walking along Victoria Avenue until you reach the roundabout at the junction with Jesus Lane and Maid's Causeway. On the roundabout, at the turning with King Street, you will find St Radegund's Pub - the smallest pub in Cambridge. You can stop here for refreshment if you are feeling thirsty!

Head straight over the roundabout into Short Street, taking care when you are crossing the road. Then take a left turn into New Square - a small area of grass with rows of terraced housing on three sides and the Grafton Centre off to the left.