Reality Checkpoint is a large cast-iron lamppost in the middle of Parker's Piece, Cambridge, England, at the intersection of the park's diagonal paths. Origin of the name There are three main theories as to the meaning of the name. It may mark the boundary between the central university area of Cambridge (referred to as the "reality bubble") and the "real world" of townspeople living beyond. One is warned to check one's notions of reality before passing. For students at Cambridge, who walk out to Mill Road across Parker's Piece for an evening in the "real world", usually including a visit to one of Mill Road's selection of pubs, the lamppost marks the end of the "reality holiday" as they walk back to central Cambridge – back into "the bubble". The name arose because the lamppost forms a useful landmark for people crossing the park at night – perhaps intoxicated or in the fog – since it is the only light for over a hundred metres. When drunk, students and the general public are reminded to check they are able to walk like a sober person before passing the police station at the edge of Parker's Piece, hence a "reality check". History A lamp at the centre of Parker's Piece was first proposed in 1890 and work commenced in January 1894 when a pipe was laid from Parkside, running parallel with the path opposite Melbourne Place. Once the connections were completed, the pillar was erected. This attracted a great deal of interest and was described as a "very handsome ornament to the Piece". It is made of cast iron by the Sun Foundry of George Smith and Company in Glasgow. It stands on a square-section plinth with waterleaf decoration on the top edges. The base of the shaft of circular section is encircled with four intertwined heraldic dolphins. The shaft carries four lamp holders by means of scrolled wrought iron stays. It is said to be the oldest electrical lamppost in Cambridge. A photograph from around 1903 shows the lamppost with a single lamp. The post above the dolphins was torn down by American soldiers celebrating Victory over Japan Day, the end of the war with Japan. In September 1946 the lamppost was repaired by a local metalworks firm, George Lister & Sons, Cambridge. The work was done by foreman Sam Mason, assisted by a young apprentice, Tony Challis, who did