The English town of Cambridge lies on which river: the Stratford, the Oxford, or the Cam?

The famous English university city is inextricably linked to the waterway that flows through its heart. While it seems like a simple case of a city being named for its river, the history is actually the reverse. The settlement was originally called Grantebrycge, or "bridge over the River Granta." Over centuries, the town's name evolved into Cambridge, and eventually, the river itself was renamed the Cam to match the city it so famously defines.

The river is central to the city's iconic imagery and is world-famous for the leisurely activity of punting. On any given day, the water is filled with students and tourists propelling flat-bottomed boats along with a long pole. This tradition is especially popular along the scenic "Backs," the picturesque rear grounds of the university's historic colleges, which offer stunning views of landmarks like King's College Chapel and the Bridge of Sighs.

As for the other choices, they belong to other major English towns. The university city of Oxford is situated on the River Thames (though the stretch through the city is often called the Isis). The town of Stratford, meanwhile, is more accurately Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, which lies on the banks of the River Avon.