Giants Grave

Giants Grave

Giants Grave, also known as Spring Head or Robin Hood's Dip, is a historic spring located at the southern end of Cherry Hinton, a suburb of Cambridge, England. This natural spring pool is fed by several springs emerging from the chalk at the base of the Gog Magog Hills. The water from this spring forms the Cherry Hinton Brook, which flows northwestward, eventually joining the River Cam at Stourbridge Common. (cherryhintonhall.com)

The name "Giants Grave" is believed to be associated with the legendary giant Gogmagog, who, according to local folklore, lived nearby and was buried at this site. Alternatively, the name may refer to Iron Age burials unearthed on Lime Kiln Hill, where unusually tall skeletons were discovered in the 19th century. (cherryhintonhall.com)

In the 19th century, the spring provided a vital water supply for the growing population of Cambridge. The Cambridge University and Town Waterworks Company acquired the land and water rights in 1852, utilizing the spring to supply water to the city. The surrounding area was landscaped in the 1960s, and the site has been a public park since 1941. (cherryhintonhall.com)

Archaeological excavations at the site have revealed a wealth of domestic and building materials from the 19th and 20th centuries, including burnt materials possibly linked to the demolition of the original Robin Hood public house across the road. Notably, a carved piece of clunch (a type of high-quality chalk) was found, suggesting medieval stonemasons worked in Cherry Hinton on materials for building some of the Cambridge colleges between the 13th and 15th centuries. (cherryhintonhall.com)

The site is also home to a variety of native plants, such as woody nightshade, honeysuckle, rush, speedwell, and St. John's Wort. Trees in the area include willows and conifers, with cultivated species like buddleia, viburnum, and a ginkgo biloba tree. In spring, the site features carpets of daffodils and cherry trees in blossom, adding to its natural beauty. (cherryhintonhall.com)

Today, Giants Grave serves as a tranquil spot for both locals and visitors, offering a glimpse into the rich history and natural beauty of Cherry Hinton.