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All the United Kingdom England Cambridge Reality Checkpoint

Reality Checkpoint

An ordinary lamppost situated in the middle of Cambridge has an unusual moniker and history.

Cambridge, England

Added By
SEANETTA ALLSASS
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Reality Checkpoint   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Reality Checkpoint   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Reality Checkpoint   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Reality Checkpoint   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Reality Checkpoint   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Reality Checkpoint   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Reality Checkpoint   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Reality Checkpoint   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Reality Checkpoint   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
At the base of the pole   Gavin / Atlas Obscura User
  rbenn250 / Atlas Obscura User
Reality checkpoint with Dinky Door   greggc80 / Atlas Obscura User
  Katystevens / Atlas Obscura User
There’s even a dinky door here   michellemobarrett / Atlas Obscura User
  michellemobarrett / Atlas Obscura User
  michellemobarrett / Atlas Obscura User
  segue911 / Atlas Obscura User
photo taken Sep 2022.   Gavin / Atlas Obscura User
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About

In the municipality of Cambridge, situated at the crossroads of several footpaths amidst Parker's Piece field, resides a cast-iron lamppost known as "Reality Checkpoint."

The lamppost dates back to the late 19th century. Several theories exists as to how this lamppost received its curious moniker. It's believed that students attending Anglia Ruskin University nicknamed the permanent feature sometime after the 1960s.

It's also a popular theory that this spot marks the midpoint of the university's center, and the "reality" of the real world living beyond the post. Being a solitary fixture in this open field, it's also believed that the post may have been a guide used during foggy nights, or a point for inebriated students to gather their bearings before passing the police station. 

Related Tags

Architectural Oddities 19th Century Colleges Architecture

Know Before You Go

The lamppost is at the intersection of the four paths of Parker's Piece on the edge of the city center.

 

Community Contributors

Added By

SEANETTA

Edited By

jooniur, rbenn250, Gavin, greggc80...

  • jooniur
  • rbenn250
  • Gavin
  • greggc80
  • michellemobarrett
  • segue911
  • Katystevens
  • etcubfan
  • morganstormborn

Published

January 28, 2020

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Reality Checkpoint
Cambridge, England, CB1 1PN
United Kingdom
52.202179, 0.128177

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