Clare College

Clare College. It is the second-oldest constituent college of the University of Cambridge, founded in 1326 and refounded in 1338 by Elizabeth de Clare, a granddaughter of King Edward I. The college is renowned for its architectural harmony, particularly its iconic Clare Bridge spanning the River Cam, and its strong academic tradition across the sciences and humanities. It maintains a vibrant student community within its historic courts and modern facilities, counting numerous influential figures in politics, science, and the arts among its alumni.

History

The college originated as **University Hall** in 1326, founded with a grant from Richard de Badew, the University Chancellor. Financial difficulties led to its refoundation in 1338 by the wealthy widow Elizabeth de Clare, who endowed it with a new charter and its enduring name. Its early history was marked by involvement in the theological controversies of the English Reformation, with several fellows, including the Marian martyrs, facing persecution. The college survived the tumult of the English Civil War and the Commonwealth period, later flourishing during the 18th century under masters like Samuel Blythe. The 19th century saw significant reforms, including the admission of the first Nonconformist fellows, aligning with broader changes at the University of Cambridge. The 20th century was a period of expansion, most notably with the admission of women in 1972, making it one of the first Cambridge colleges to become co-educational.

Buildings and grounds

The college's architectural core is its exquisite **Old Court**, completed in the 17th century and considered one of the finest examples of Classical architecture in Cambridge. The grounds are famously bisected by the River Cam, connected by the picturesque **Clare Bridge**, built in the 1640s and adorned with distinctive stone balls. Expansion continued with the construction of **Memorial Court** in the 1920s, designed by Giles Gilbert Scott, and the modernist **Clare College Library** by Sir Philip Dowson. The college's extensive gardens, including the **Fellows' Garden** and the **River Court**, provide tranquil spaces alongside the Backs, offering views towards King's College Chapel and the University Library. More recent additions include the **Ashby Court** and **Thirkill Court** accommodation complexes, blending contemporary design with the historic setting.

Academic profile

The college maintains a high academic standard, consistently ranking near the top of the Tompkins Table. It admits approximately 130 undergraduate students annually across a broad range of disciplines, with particular historical strengths in Mathematics and the Natural Sciences. The fellowship includes renowned academics such as Sir Michael Pepper, a pioneer in semiconductor physics, and the classicist Mary Beard. It hosts several research centers and is closely associated with the Cambridge University Department of Engineering and the Faculty of History. The college's **Clare College Library** houses over 70,000 volumes, including significant special collections of early printed books and manuscripts, supporting both undergraduate and postgraduate research.

Student life

Student life is centered around the **Clare College Students' Union**, which organizes a wide array of societies, from the celebrated **Clare College Music Society** to dramatic productions at the **Mumford Theatre**. The college boasts a strong sporting tradition, with boats from the **Clare College Boat Club** competing in the annual May Bumps on the River Cam. Social life often revolves around the **Buttery** bar and formal dinners in the historic **Hall**, which features an impressive hammerbeam roof. The college also fields teams in University Challenge, having won the competition in 2018. A lively arts scene is supported by the **Clare College Art Committee**, which curates exhibitions and manages a collection of modern works.

Notable alumni

Alumni, known as **Clare Hall men and women**, have made significant contributions across many fields. In science and mathematics, they include the evolutionary biologist David Attenborough, the Nobel laureate in physics Sir Nevill Mott, and the mathematician Sir Michael Atiyah. Notable figures in public life and history include the former Prime Minister Lord John Russell, the Lord Chief Justice Lord Lane, and the diplomat Sir Nicholas Henderson. The arts are represented by the composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, the film director Sir Sam Mendes, and the writer Sebastian Faulks. Other distinguished alumni include the economist Sir Partha Dasgupta and the Olympic rower James Cracknell.

Category:University of Cambridge