St Peter’s College (Peterhouse), Cambridge – Old Court and Chapel


Peterhouse, founded in 1284 is the oldest constituent college of Cambridge University. It was founded by Hugo de Balsham, Bishop of Ely, on the model of Merton College in Oxford and is the smallest of the traditional colleges. Its buildings date from the 13th century to modern times, some designed by well-known architects, and famously it had a deer park in its grounds in the 19th century until the deer died out from a contagious disease. Its Perne Library, named after the controversial Master who reigned over the college during the Civil War, has a valuable collection of rare books and manuscripts. Its alumni include several famous scientists, including Lord Kelvin, Henry Cavendish (after whom the Cavendish Laboratory was named), James Dewar (who invented the ‘thermos flask’), and the Nobel Laureates Aaron Klug, Max Perutz and John Kendrew. The poet Thomas Gray was at Peterhouse before he decamped across the road to Pembroke College. The view is of Old Court, with the East end of the Chapel; the Chapel, connected to the adjoining buildings by early eighteenth century arcaded walks, was started in 1628 and its stone facing was completed about 1665. The picture was drawn and engraved by J Greig


Size: 5063px × 3567px
Location: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England
Photo credit: © Cameni Images / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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