It was founded in 1209 after a group of Oxford university academics fled Oxford to the old Roman trading town of Cambridge after a dispute with Oxford townsfolk - thus starting the long tradition of rivalry between the two universities.
Cambridge has, however, produced more Nobel Prize winners than any other university.
Anyway, 800 years is a good old age. Congratulations Cambridge and I hope you have a great year of cleberation... just try not to drink too much ok?
University Marks It's 800th Year (BBC News; Satutrday 17th January 2009)