Cambridge Colleges All Over the Place

When you visit Cambridge to find the University, you may be surprised, to say the least to find that it is located in many areas of Cambridge. Whilst travelling to the many locations, you will be taken through courtyards, ancient lanes and gardens. The majority of the colleges are open to the public. There are a grand total of 31 colleges.

Peterhouse is the oldest college in Cambridge founded in 1284. Situated south of the city centre it has been rebuilt and added to many times over the years. Lord Kelvin, creator of the Kelvin temperature scale, was one of the notable Petreans who attended the college in the 19th century. Lord Kelvin provided the first electric lighting for Peterhouse's 600th anniversary, the first such for any Cambridge college.

Crossing over Trumpington Street to the east will take you to Pembroke College. It is one of the bigger colleges with a mix of buildings from a majority of the centuries since foundation in 1347. The Baroque chapel was the first building by Sir Christopher Wren and was consecrated in 1665.

Trinity College has perhaps the grandest scholarly record of all the colleges and boasts 32 Nobel prizes amongst members. Founded in 1546 by Henry VIII it has been preferred by royalty down the ages and has educated 6 Prime ministers. Isaac Newton studied here in the 17th century. The first formal rules of football were drawn up here in 1848. As you enter the great gate at Trinity be sure to check to see what the statue of Henry VIII holds in his hand.

Kings College is home to the iconic Kings College Chapel. A punt along the river Cam will take you past the magnificent Gothic facade which overlooks a beautiful green to make it one of the defining views of the city. The chapel is home to the famous Nine Lessons and Carols broadcast every year on the BBC on Christmas Eve. It also displays the painting "The Adoration of the Magi" by Rubens and the world's biggest fan vault ceiling.

Travelling south will take you to Queens College, founded in 1448. It is one of two colleges that have buildings either side of the Cam. The Mathematical Bridge joins the two sides using tangential timbers and makes a great photo.

That's just a brisk tour of the multitude of colleges that make up Cambridge University. Bed and Breakfast or one of the many Hotels in the area will give you a warm welcome and a base from which to explore the varied history of a great city.