Cherry Hinton Chalk Quarries

The Cherry Hinton chalk pits are situated on Lime Kiln Hill, which is positioned at the northwesternmost spur of the Gog Magog Hills. The summit of this hill commands impressive and panoramic views across the town of Cambridge and its surroundings, and as such, it has served as an important site of human settlement and defense since prehistoric times. Notably, an Iron Age fort known as The War Ditches was discovered on the site in the late 19th century, underscoring its historical significance. Quarrying and industrial use of the site have occurred since at least Roman times, largely due to the high quality of chalk and clunch (a type of superior chalk). Interestingly, Cherry Hinton clunch was utilized extensively during medieval times in the construction of notable buildings, including Ely Cathedral and various Cambridge Colleges. Quarrying and lime burning activities at this site persisted well into the 20th century, illustrating its ongoing importance in regional industry and heritage.