Ever wondered about the newest Cambridge college?
That would be Homerton College. It gained full college status in 2010. Yet, Homerton’s roots stretch back much further. Its history spans over 250 years.
Homerton College began in 1695 as Homerton Academy. It educated Calvinist ministers. These ministers were barred from attending Oxford and Cambridge. So, Homerton offered a modern curriculum. It emphasized philosophy science and history. In 1768 the academy moved to Hackney. It was then known as King’s Head Academy. The college returned to the Homerton name in 1823.
In 1894 Homerton College made a significant move. It relocated to Cambridge. This was after laws changed allowing more freedom in education. Homerton purchased the grounds of Cavendish College. Cavendish College had struggled financially.
Initially Homerton only admitted men. However it embraced mixed education early on. Women were admitted from 1852. In 1896 mixed education was prohibited. Homerton became an all-female college. It remained so for almost eighty years.
Today Homerton College is one of Cambridge’s largest colleges. It has around 600 undergraduates and 750 postgraduates. Homerton stands out with its extensive grounds. These include sports fields water features and even beehives.
The college’s Victorian Gothic hall is a focal point. It features the celebrated Pre-Raphaelite piece “The Florentine Procession”. Jane Benham Hay painted it. The painting won “Picture of the Year” in 1867. Portraits of former principals encircle the Hall. The Hall has a hammer-beam roof and American walnut paneling. A bell from the old London college rings before formal dinners.
The Ibberson Building is another notable structure. Many consider it the college’s most significant building. It has Grade II listed status. This is the only listed building on the site.
Homerton College has more green space than many other Cambridge colleges. Its grounds host rare wild orchids. Over 150 plant species thrive here. A large orchard provides students with a relaxing space.
Homerton provides on-site accommodation for all three years of study. The college library holds thousands of books. It also features a unique children’s book collection. Some date back to the 1780s.
Homerton College has a boat club. Its colors are navy blue with white trim. The Men’s 1st VIII holds an Oxbridge record. They advanced 13 places in the May Bumps of 2001.
The college celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2018. Homerton continues to evolve. It embraces its rich history. It looks forward to a vibrant future.
Homerton College remains a unique and dynamic part of Cambridge University.