One hundred and nine years ago, the sun was setting on this exact same scene. Darkness followed and shortly thereafter shapes began moving; stealthy, lithe, shadow-blending convolutions of night. Using chimneys and pipes the ascent of these ancient buildings was undertaken - as presumably it had been for hundreds of years before. But this year, notes were taken - and the first record of roof-climbing was produced. The Roof-Climber's Guide to Trinity sold out on publication and has been out of print ever since. It was the first of several titles quietly published - anonymously, of course - over the next seventy years; titles which are now being republished. A history of Roof and Night Climbing in Cambridge is available as a free download here and the books themselves are available here too.
