Did you know Girton College was once located far from Cambridge? It started as the College for Women in Hitchin. Hitchin was thought to be a safer distance from Cambridge and London.
Girton College is one of the 31 colleges of the University of Cambridge. Emily Davies and Barbara Bodichon established it in 1869. It was the first women’s college in Cambridge. Full college status came in 1948. This marked women’s official admittance to the university. In 1976, Girton was also the first women’s college to become coeducational.
Let me tell you more about Girton’s early days. Davies and Bodichon wanted to improve women’s education. They questioned if girls could sit Oxford or Cambridge exams. In 1865, 91 female students entered the Cambridge Local Examination. This was a big step.
Early on, students could take a Pass degree or an Honours degree. An Honours degree was harder. In 1869, Henry Sidgwick helped create Examinations for Women. Emily Davies opposed this. She wanted admittance to the Tripos exams.
The College for Women opened on October 16, 1869. It was at Benslow House in Hitchin. Five students began their studies. These women were Emily Gibson, Anna Lloyd, Louisa Lumsden, Isabella Townshend, and Sarah Woodhead. Adelaide Manning also joined. Charlotte Manning was the first Mistress.
In 1873, Rachel Cook, Lumsden, and Woodhead unofficially took the Tripos exams. They were known as “The Pioneers”.
Through fundraising, they collected enough money to buy land. In 1872, they acquired sixteen acres near Girton village. The college was renamed Girton College. It opened at its new location in October 1873.
The buildings cost £12,000. They consisted of a single block. In 1876, Old Wing was completed. Also, Taylor’s Knob laboratory and half of the Hospital Wing were built. By 1884, Girton had 80 students.
By 1902, the college could accommodate 180 students. Tower Wing, Chapel Wing, and Woodlands Wing were complete. The Chapel and the Hall were also finished.
Girton wasn’t officially a college yet. Its members were not part of the University. In 1948, women were admitted to full membership. Girton College became a college of the university.
Social changes led more universities to become co-educational. In 1976, Girton became the first women’s college to admit men.
One reason for the change involved academic performance. Mixed colleges seemed to attract bright students. Girton became co-residential. Male and female students shared the same facilities.
Now, let’s talk about the architecture. Alfred Waterhouse designed the main site. He built the Old Wing, Hospital Wing, and Stanley Library. The red-brick design is typical of Victorian architecture.
The Stanley Library was established in 1884. A new library was opened in 1932. In 2005, the Duke building opened. It’s a modern library extension with IT facilities.
Emily Davies planned a chapel. It was completed in 1901. The chapel seats about 200 people.
Girton’s gardens are large. Miss Davies handed over garden responsibilities to Miss Bernard. A pond dates from 1884. Rare black squirrels live in Girton.
The Lawrence Room is the college museum. It houses Anglo-Saxon, Egyptian, and Mediterranean collections. The Egyptian collection includes a portrait mummy called “Hermione”.
Since 2002, Girton has held the People’s Portraits exhibition. It showcases “ordinary” British people.
Girton’s Social Hub is called “Schlub”. It acts as a café and bar. The “Deep Schlub” cellar bar has a pool table and social space.
Girton College has student-run sports teams. It provides sports pitches for various sports. Music is also important. The college has a strong music history. Girton grants music scholarships.
Girton Spring Ball evolved from a traditional dance. It’s usually held annually after Lent term.
Notable Girton alumni include Queen Margrethe II and Lady Hale.
Girton’s motto is “Better is wisdom than weapons of war”. The college colors are green with red stripes edged with white.
As you leave Girton today reflect on its pioneering spirit. Its commitment to equality continues to shape its identity.