Parker's Piece
Parker's Piece is an open common near the centre of Cambridge, bounded by Park Terrace, Parkside, Gonville Place and Regent Terrace. Two main paths cross it diagonally, and the single lamp-post where they meet is known locally as Reality Checkpoint.
In practice
The common takes its name from Edward Parker, a Trinity College cook who leased part of the land from the College from 1587. In 1613 Trinity exchanged it with the town for other land. In the nineteenth century it was used for first-class cricket, and the Cambridge University Football Club laws were first used here and adopted by the Football Association in 1863. A monument titled "Cambridge Rules 1848", engraved with the 1856 Cambridge Rules, was installed in May 2018.
Why it matters to newcomers
Parker's Piece is free, central and open, which makes it a natural place for picnics, informal games and large public events. The diagonal paths are shared by walkers and cyclists, so keep to one side when you cross, especially at busy times.
Related
- Market Square - the other historic public space in the centre
- Town and gown - town land and College land side by side
- Cambridge parks and green spaces guide
Source: Parker's Piece.