Founded in 1954 as New Hall Murray Edwards College stands proudly on Huntingdon Road. It’s a Cambridge landmark. A testament to women’s achievements. Initially a beacon for female undergraduates in a university system that lagged behind. New Hall quickly became a symbol of progress. It aimed to increase the number of women at Cambridge. The university had the lowest proportion of female undergraduates of any UK university.
Before New Hall only Newnham and Girton Colleges accepted women. Hughes Hall could take up to 70. This changed dramatically. The arrival of New Hall marked a significant step forward for gender equality in higher education. New Hall’s growth was initially slow. Limited by space its early years saw only 16 students.
Then came a significant move. In 1963 the college relocated. It moved to its current site. The land a gift from the Darwin family. It was the grounds of their home The Orchard. This relocation spurred growth. The college welcomed 300 students that year a monumental increase.
In 1972 the college earned its charter. This meant official recognition as a college of Cambridge University. Murray Edwards College expanded beyond its initial mission. It embraced change by admitting male fellows. A remarkable decision. It also made headlines in 2017. It announced it would accept transgender women. This underlined its commitment to inclusivity and gender equality.
The college’s name evolved. It changed from the somewhat uninspired New Hall. The name shift was significant. The new name honors Dame Rosemary Murray the first President. It also acknowledges a generous donation from alumna Ros Smith and her husband Steve Edwards. This sizeable donation of £30 million transformed the college’s financial standing.
Today Murray Edwards houses approximately 500 students. Its buildings a blend of architectural styles reflect its growth over time. Many exemplify the architectural style known as Brutalism. The Dome its impressive dining hall stands out. Its domed roof has unique concrete petals. The central servery. A sort of glorified dumbwaiter. Ascends from the kitchens below. It’s a sight to behold.
Beyond its architecture Murray Edwards boasts a remarkable art collection. It houses the world’s second largest collection of women’s art. It is the largest collection of modern and contemporary art by women in Europe. The collection is known as the New Hall Art Collection. Its impressive holdings. A tribute to the artistic contributions of women. A significant asset for the college.
Murray Edwards College. A place of academic excellence. A vibrant community. It is home to influential women. Such as Academy Award-winning actress Tilda Swinton. Comedienne Sue Perkins. TV presenter Claudia Winkelman. And Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell the discoverer of pulsars. Its legacy continues to inspire. To champion women in education and beyond. It’s more than just a college. It’s a powerful symbol of progress. A testament to the transformative power of education and equality. A must see on any Cambridge tour.