The quiet Cambridge yard that was nearly destroyed by a bomb in World War Two

Jordan’s Yard used to be filled with shops and homes but is now ignored by most people who walk past it

As it is so old, the city of Cambridge has many tiny streets and alleyways to explore. If you have only visited Cambridge for a day, it is unlikely you would have been able to take a look around the whole city to find all of the hidden spots.

If you love history or want to know more about the city, it might be worth taking a walk around some of the smaller streets, as they are packed with hidden secrets. Jordan’s Yard is passed by residents and tourists every day but is almost always empty.

The entrance to Jordan’s Yard can be found along Bridge Street between two timber-framed buildings that were originally built in the early 16th century. Unless you are heading to the Clothing Alterations Company or Pizza Express, you probably wouldn’t stop to take a look down Jordan’s Yard.

It is believed the yard is named after Benjamin Jordan, who was a livery stable-keeper in the early 19th century. When the yard went up for sale in 1861, you could find five houses there, a farriery, a farmyard, a smithy, a garden, and stabling for up to 50 horses.

In the early 20th century, the yard was home to a few different businesses including a bedmaker, a blacksmith, and a painter. One of the homes was lived in by Professor Mayor, who was the president of St John’s College and known for his work on Latin Literature.

The yard and its buildings were almost completely lost in World War Two. During the night on July 27 in 1942, Allin’s Garage was hit directly be a 250kg HE bomb, which caused the houses next to the repair shop to collapse.

Nowadays, the yard is home to the Arts Club Cambridge and the old Curry King restaurant that closed in October last year after the managers decided to retire. The yard also leads into the Wilde Aparthotel where you can find Oscar’s bar, which is open to both guests of the hotel and the general public.