Selwyn College

Amidst the hallowed halls of Cambridge, a unique gem awaits: Selwyn College. Selwyn College stands as a testament to a remarkable life, a tribute to George Augustus Selwyn, the pioneering Bishop of New Zealand and later Bishop of Lichfield. Established in 1882 by the Selwyn Memorial Committee, Selwyn College aimed to provide affordable education within a Christian framework. The college initially opened its doors to 28 undergraduates, guided by a small but dedicated teaching staff consisting of the Master, the Tutor, and a non-resident lecturer. Selwyn College’s location, once considered remote, now places it at the heart of the university, near the Sidgwick Site, home to prominent arts and humanities faculties. Selwyn College’s Old Court, constructed in the Victorian Late Perpendicular Gothic Revival style, features Ketton stone and local red brick. It houses the Master’s Lodge, Chapel, Hall, and more. A later addition, Cripps Court, offers ensuite rooms and accommodates first-year undergraduates and postgraduates. The newest addition, Ann’s Court, blends traditional exterior with contemporary interiors. Its name honors Ann Dobson, a key benefactor. Initially a “Public Hostel,” Selwyn College achieved full collegiate status in 1958. The college embraced co-education in 1976, becoming one of the first Cambridge colleges to do so. Did you know that William Gladstone, a major benefactor, gifted the chapel’s louder bell? He believed it essential for rousing students at a productive hour. Selwyn College’s chapel, built in 1895, predates the dining hall. The Dining Hall, with its Jacobean style, features panelling from the English Church in Rotterdam, a gift from Magdalene fellow A. C. Benson in memory of his father. Selwyn College has a rich history of student life. The Selwyn Snowball, a winter ball, is a unique tradition among Oxbridge colleges. The Selwyn College Boat Club, founded in 1882, continues the legacy of George Augustus Selwyn, who rowed for Cambridge in the first Boat Race. Selwyn College remains a vibrant hub of learning and community within the prestigious University of Cambridge. From humble beginnings, it has grown to encompass a diverse student body and a rich history. As you stand before Selwyn College, imagine the generations of scholars who have walked these grounds, contributing to the tapestry of Cambridge’s intellectual heritage.