Which is the oldest Cambridge college?

Peterhouse is a constituent college of the University of Cambridge, England. It is the oldest college of the university, having been founded in 1284 by Hugo de Balsham, Bishop of Ely and granted its charter by King Edward I. Today, Peterhouse has 226 undergraduates, 86 full-time graduate students and 45 fellows. The modern name of Peterhouse does not include the word "college".

Despite being one of the smallest colleges, it has one of the highest overall endowments, more than £250 million, including property in central London such as the Albany apartment complex in Piccadilly. Peterhouse is one of the most traditional colleges of Cambridge. It is one of the few that still seeks to insist that its members attend communal dinners, known as "Hall". Hall takes place in two sittings, with the second known as "Formal Hall", which consists of a three-course candlelit meal and which must be attended wearing gowns. At Formal Hall, the students rise as the fellows proceed in, a gong is rung, and two Latin graces are read.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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15 Comments

klmilles

Darwin College, a post-grad only school, was the first to admit women, also. Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey are both alumnae My favorite story about Peterhouse is that alumnus Lord Kelvin (yeah, that one) electrified the grand Hall in honor of its 600th anniversary. Peterhouse became co-ed in 1983.

Howard Groopman

I loved the day I spent in Cambridge long, long ago.

earlepg

teacherchicky, I, too, chose the college that I hadn't heard of before.

Neill

I love in Cambridge and worked in the University, all colleges have halls and formal halls, they are optional, they do insist you attend, Hall is just a posh cafeteria with trays, while formal hall the students will get their food served at the table, and the fellows of the college will sit at the high table and eat their meal.