Did you know Anglia Ruskin University started as the Cambridge School of Art? Founded in 1858 by William John Beamont a Fellow of Trinity College at the University of Cambridge it was officially opened by the renowned John Ruskin himself. Yes that John Ruskin. He gave the inaugural address. Many mistakenly believe he founded the school. He didn’t. But his name is now permanently linked to this institution. Anglia Ruskin University.
The original building stood near Sidney Sussex College. It’s not there anymore. Anglia Ruskin University moved to its present location on East Road Cambridge many years ago. This university has a rich history. It wasn’t always a university. It evolved. It started as a school then it became the Cambridgeshire College of Arts and Technology CCAT in 1960.
Think about this. In the 1920s Clara Rackham and Lilian Mellish Clarke served on the governing body. Remarkable women pioneers in Cambridge’s civic history. Buildings on the East Road campus are named after them. Their legacy lives on within Anglia Ruskin University.
In 1989 CCAT merged with the Essex Institute of Higher Education forming Anglia Higher Education College. It became a polytechnic then a full university in 1992. Initially Anglia Polytechnic University APU it almost changed its name to Anglia Prior University in 2000 after a former Chancellor Jim Prior. That didn’t happen.
Finally in 2005 after much debate the university became Anglia Ruskin University. The name change reflects the institution’s evolution and its connection to John Ruskin. His influence permeates this place. This university. Anglia Ruskin University.
The university boasts impressive growth. In 2022 it had over 35000 students. Anglia Ruskin University has multiple campuses across the UK. Cambridge Chelmsford Writtle Peterborough and London. Each location offers a unique learning experience. But here in Cambridge it all started.
Anglia Ruskin University’s Cambridge campus blends modern facilities with historical architecture. You can still see the original Cambridge School of Art building. The campus has seen significant redevelopment. The Rackham building was demolished to make way for the Lord Ashcroft International Business School. This was opened in 2011.
Today Anglia Ruskin University continues to thrive. It has faced controversies. It’s faced criticism. It has even had to retract honorary awards. But it remains a significant contributor to higher education. Anglia Ruskin University. A testament to evolution adaptation and the enduring power of learning. A place where art science and business converge. Anglia Ruskin University.