Queens Wing

Opened in 1978, the Queens’ Wing at Homerton College is a modern counterpoint to the rich history of Queens’ College just across the Cam. But did you know that the spirit of Queens’ College, with its fascinating royal connections, subtly touches even this contemporary structure? Homerton College itself, while now a vibrant part of Cambridge University, has a unique journey, distinct from the traditional colleges. It wasn’t always nestled here by the Cam. It began far from the hallowed halls of Cambridge, evolving from a dissenting academy in the 17th century. Now, standing before the Queens’ Wing, we’re witnessing a chapter in a story of adaptation and inclusion. Queens’ College, just across the river, boasts a double royal founding. First established in 1448 by Margaret of Anjou, wife of Henry VI, it was later refounded in 1465 by Elizabeth Woodville, wife of Edward IV. This unusual dual patronage gives the college its distinctive name, Queens’, not Queen’s. Imagine the rivalries and intrigues that must have played out in those early years. Fast forward to 1980, Queens’ College opened its doors to female students for the first time. The first female graduates followed just three years later. This move towards inclusivity mirrors the spirit of Homerton College, which itself has a long history of educating women. The Queens’ Wing, a 20th-century addition to Homerton, provides student accommodations and stands as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of education at Cambridge. While its architecture may differ greatly from the medieval courts of Queens’ College across the river, it shares a connection through the pursuit of knowledge and the embrace of a diverse student body. Looking at the Queens’ Wing, we see more than just bricks and mortar. We see a reflection of how institutions adapt and grow, carrying the echoes of their past into the future.