Cambridge - University Colleges 
Oxford and Cambridge are the best known English universities in Europe. Both were founded in the mid 13th century - Oxford slightly earlier than Cambridge, for which reason it is always referred to first and both today have some 10,000 students. In the Middle Ages students went up to the two universities at the age of 14 or 15, earning the title of Master of Grammar after three years (the "trivium" of Latin grammar, rhetoric and logic) and Master of Arts after another four years (the "quadrivium" of arithmetic, geometry, astronomy and music). A doctorate in theology, law or medicine required additional years of study.
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The colleges were laid out according to monastic tradition, with cloister like courts, a large dining hall and a chapel. Access is usually through a gatehouse or "Porter's Lodge". Because the colleges are first and foremost academic institutions, rather than museums, visitors may find themselves turned away at exam time or on other such occasions.
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Trinity Hall
Trinity Hall in Trinity Lane was founded in 1350 by William Bateman, Bishop of Norwich. It has an old Elizabethan library preserved in its original condition, with books chained to shelves.
Corpus Christi College
Corpus Christi College in Trumpington Street was founded in 1352 "by the townspeople for the townspeople". Old Court dates back to 1377, although since restored. The library contains valuable manuscripts and incunabula collected by Matthew Parker, Archbishop of Canterbury ca. 1550. The adjoining St Benet's Church was the original college chapel and has a late Saxon tower. The dramatists Christopher Marlowe (1564-93) and John Fletcher (1579-1625) were notable members of the college.
Emmanuel College
Emmanuel College, further along St Andrew's Street, was founded in 1584 by Sir Walter Mildmay and incorporates parts of a former Dominican priory.
The college produced a number of Protestant ministers, many of whom emigrated to America, including some of the Pilgrim Fathers.
The Chapel and cloister are by Wren (1668-74). A window in the Chapel commemorates John Harvard, the principal founder of Harvard University in Massachusetts.
The college produced a number of Protestant ministers, many of whom emigrated to America, including some of the Pilgrim Fathers.
The Chapel and cloister are by Wren (1668-74). A window in the Chapel commemorates John Harvard, the principal founder of Harvard University in Massachusetts.
Pembroke College
Across Trumpington Street from Peterhouse stands Pembroke College, founded in 1347 by the Countess of Pembroke but greatly altered since. The chapel (1663-65) was Wren's first work, later extended by George Gilbert Scott in 1881. Pembroke has produced many bishops and poets, the most celebrated being Edmund Spenser (ca. 1552-99). The reformist bishop Nicholas Ridley, burned at the stake in Oxford, and the statesman William Pitt also took their degrees here.
Senate House
Beyond King's College stands the Senate House, a Palladian building by James Gibbs (1722-30), with delicate plaster and woodwork and numerous statues. It is used for important academic occasions and ceremonies such as the conferment of degrees. Other buildings in the court, among them the Old Schools (14th-15th and 18th-19th century), are occupied by university offices.
St Mary the Great Church
St Mary the Great (Great St Mary's), opposite the Senate House, is both parish and University church. Built in the 15th century it has a very fine interior. The galleries were added in 1739 at a time when university sermons, given by great scholars, attracted huge congregations. The gallery used by masters and fellows of colleges was ironically referred to as "Golgotha". The tower (erected in 1608) is famous for its view.
Great St Mary's, The University Church
Senate House Hill
Cambridge CB2 3PQ
England
Senate House Hill
Cambridge CB2 3PQ
England
