Secret Cambridge

by Andrew Sargent

Published 15 November 2018
Cambridge has a world-famous university, but the town’s long history predates the coming of the scholars, beginning with the Romans, who first identified this as a good spot for a settlement. It was a good choice and it continued to thrive into the medieval period. Seeking sanctuary here in the thirteenth century, the fledgling university was something of a cuckoo, growing to dominate its civic neighbour as their stories intertwined. Largely bypassed by manufacturing, in recent years the town has forged a reputation as a centre for the high-tech industries.

Secret Cambridge explores the lesser-known aspects of this familiar place, integrating town and gown to offer a fresh perspective on some forgotten fragments of the city’s story. Writer and historian Andrew Sargent ventures down secluded streets and alleyways in order to shed light on neglected corners, allowing readers to experience the diverse flavour of the city’s rich history.

Secret Oxford

by Andrew Sargent

Published 15 January 2016
Oxford is identified with its university, and the university has certainly played a huge role in shaping the town. But the history of Oxford is much more than just a footnote to its colleges. The town was already old when the first scholars gathered there, and it has seen many major non-academic milestones, such as the founding of the hugely influential Morris works at Cowley by Lord Nuffield.

Secret Oxford explores town and gown, the little-known facts as well as the well-known ones, and directs the reader - tourist or resident - to key locations and visible remains. Each well-illustrated chapter ends with a list of related things that must be seen. There are also a number of self-guided walks to help the reader experience the diverse flavour of the city and its history.