Corn Exchange Street
A street beside the Corn Exchange, once known as Slaughter Lane and built over the line of the medieval King's Ditch.
Corn Exchange Street links Wheeler Street in the north-west with Downing Street in the south-east. At its northern end Guildhall Place, a cul-de-sac continuing Guildhall Street, runs alongside. The Cambridge Corn Exchange, which stages concerts and plays, sits on the north-western corner.
Opposite, to the south-west, is the University's New Museums Site; its Museum of Zoology is by the Downing Street end. This street is the principal way in and out for drivers heading for the big shoppers' multi-storey car park.
Slaughter Lane and the King's Ditch
Roman pottery has been found around here, along with ditches of various dates and medieval settlement evidence on the north-east side. By the 1500s the street was in place as Slaughter Lane, and it crosses the medieval King's Ditch, which was already filled in here by 1574. The Beast Market and a slaughteryard lay on the outer side of the ditch; a White Friars house stood to the west.
Modern change
The Corn Exchange itself was built in the 19th century, while small shops and inns used to line the north-east side. The street's character changed completely in the 20th century with the arrival of the Lion Yard centre, its car park and a hotel.
Sources: Wikipedia: Corn Exchange Street · Wikidata: Corn Exchange Street (Q5171025)