The Malting House

Across the Mill Pond and Sheep’s Green, The Malting House stands as a testament to a unique educational experiment. The Malting House wasn’t always a student accommodation for Darwin College. It began its life in the 1830s, not as a school, but as a malthouse, oast house, and small brewery owned by the Beales family. Imagine the aroma of malting barley and brewing beer wafting through the air. In 1909, the Dean of Trinity College transformed the building into an Arts & Crafts house, complete with a small hall for musical evenings. Then, in 1924, The Malting House embarked on its most fascinating chapter, becoming the home of the Malting House School. Geoffrey Pyke, a wealthy and eccentric individual, envisioned a revolutionary educational system for his son, David. He sought an education that nurtured curiosity and prepared young minds for the 20th century. Pyke’s unconventional advertisement sought an “Educated Young Woman” with a scientific mind, even stating, “Previous educational experience is not considered a bar.” He found his ideal educator in psychologist Susan Sutherland Isaacs. The Malting House School championed child-centered learning. Children were given remarkable freedom, encouraged to explore, and supported in their discoveries. The school’s approach echoed the philosophies of John Dewey and Maria Montessori, emphasizing experience and self-directed learning. Picture young children conducting experiments, digging in the garden to observe plant growth, and even using a lathe to explore mathematical concepts. The school attracted children from families with strong academic backgrounds, including the sons of philosopher G.E. Moore and the daughter of Nobel laureate Edgar Adrian. The Malting House School also drew attention from prominent intellectuals like Jean Piaget and Melanie Klein. Sadly, Pyke’s financial misfortune led to the school’s closure in 1929. Today, The Malting House serves as student accommodation for Darwin College, its walls still echoing with the laughter and discoveries of a bygone era. The building’s journey from brewery to Arts & Crafts home, to experimental school, and finally to student residence reflects Cambridge’s ever-evolving nature. The Malting House serves as a reminder of a bold educational experiment and a testament to the transformative power of innovative thinking.