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King's College, Cambridge

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King's College, Cambridge
NameKing's College
CaptionThe iconic King's College Chapel from the Backs.
FounderHenry VI of England
Established1441
LocationCambridge, England
Sister collegeNew College, Oxford
Head labelProvost
HeadGillian Tett
Undergraduate~410
Postgraduate~250

King's College, Cambridge. Founded in 1441 by Henry VI of England, it is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Cambridge. The college is globally renowned for its architectural masterpiece, King's College Chapel, and its world-class King's College Choir. King's has a distinctive history and tradition of progressive intellectualism, attracting scholars from across the globe.

History

The college was established by royal charter from Henry VI of England, who also founded Eton College to provide scholars for King's. The early construction was interrupted by the Wars of the Roses and the king's deposition. Building resumed under the Tudor dynasty, notably Henry VII and Henry VIII, who completed the chapel. Throughout its history, the college has been associated with significant intellectual movements, including the Cambridge Platonists and the Bloomsbury Group. In the 20th century, it became one of the first Cambridge colleges to admit women in 1972.

Buildings and grounds

The college's grounds are centered around the expansive Front Court, one of the largest in Cambridge, bounded by the Gibbs' Building designed by James Gibbs. The iconic King's College Chapel dominates the skyline. The college backs onto the River Cam and the famous Backs, offering picturesque views. Other notable structures include the Wilkins' Building, the Bodley's Building, and the modern Keynes Hall. The college also owns extensive land and farms across the country, including the College Estates.

Academic profile

King's maintains a strong academic reputation across numerous disciplines within the University of Cambridge. It is particularly noted for strength in Economics, History, English Literature, and Social Anthropology. The college follows the Cambridge tutorial system of undergraduate teaching. It is home to several research centers, including the Centre for Research in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (CRASSH). Fellows of the college have included Nobel laureates like John Maynard Keynes in Economics and Patrick Blackett in Physics.

Student life

Student life is organized through the King's College Student Union (KCSU) and the King's College Graduate Society (KCGS). The college is known for its active political and debating societies, with strong ties to the Cambridge Union. Cultural life is enriched by the world-famous King's College Choir and various music, art, and drama societies. Sporting teams compete in university leagues, with the college boat club racing on the River Cam. The college bar, known as the Waterloo, is a popular social hub.

King's College Chapel

King's College Chapel is a supreme example of Perpendicular Gothic architecture, commenced by Henry VI of England and finished under Henry VIII of England. It houses the largest fan-vaulted ceiling in the world and renowned stained glass windows from the Renaissance period. The chapel is home to the King's College Choir, established in the 15th century, which broadcasts the globally watched Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols on BBC every Christmas Eve. The Rubens altarpiece is a major artistic treasure within.

Notable alumni

Alumni, known as King'smen, have made significant contributions across many fields. In economics and public policy, figures include John Maynard Keynes, Rupert Murdoch, and John Buchan. Literary giants are E. M. Forster, Zadie Smith, and Salman Rushdie. In science and technology, notable alumni are Alan Turing, Sir Frank Whittle, and Sir Michael Atiyah. The arts are represented by figures like Derek Jarman and Mark Rylance. In politics and public service, alumni include Robert Walpole, Archbishops of Canterbury, and members of the House of Lords.

Category:Colleges of the University of Cambridge Category:1441 establishments in England Category:Educational institutions established in the 15th century