Cambridge in Cambridgeshire, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Great St. Mary’s Datum
marks the datum point
from which in 1725 William Warren,
Fellow of Trinity Hall, began to measure
the one mile points along the roads from
Cambridge at which were then set up
the first true milestones in Britain
since Roman times.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1725.
Location. 52° 12.317′ N, 0° 7.076′ E. Marker is in Cambridge, England, in Cambridgeshire. Marker is on King’s Parade, on the left when traveling south. Marker is on the wall just right of the entrance to Great St. Mary’s Church. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cambridge, England CB2 3PQ, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within 26 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Ely Cemetery (approx. 24.5 kilometers away); a different marker also named Ely Cemetery (approx. 24.5 kilometers away).
Regarding Great St. Mary’s Datum. William Warren chose Great St. Mary’s Church as the starting point for his milestone series. This church, also known as the University Church, has dominated the Cambridge marketplace for more than 800 years. Its belfry was added in 1593, and by 1608 its main tower reached its present height of 114 feet. Visitors can climb the 123 steps for a panoramic view of Cambridge and the surrounding countryside. (These details are from the flyer visitors receive when they climb the tower.)
Also see . . . Milestones. More about William Warren and the series of milestones he began. (Submitted on August 26, 2013, by Roger W. Sinnott of Chelmsford, Massachusetts.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2013, by Roger W. Sinnott of Chelmsford, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 645 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 26, 2013, by Roger W. Sinnott of Chelmsford, Massachusetts. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.