Founded in 1596 Sidney Sussex College stands before you. Its story begins long before its official birth. For nearly three centuries Franciscan friars occupied this very spot. Imagine their lives their routines their prayers echoing in the very ground beneath your feet. Archaeological digs in the 1950s unearthed fascinating remnants of their existence. Reburied skeletons shattered stained glass even a large Saxon jar hinted at the rich history buried beneath Sidney Sussex College.
Lady Frances Sidney Countess of Sussex bequeathed a substantial sum 5000 pounds and some plate. This generous donation laid the foundation for this Protestant college. Seven years after her death in 1589 her executors established Sidney Sussex College. It was intended as a place of learning a bulwark of Protestant ideals. The motto Dieu me garde de calomnie God preserve me from calumny reflects this strong religious conviction.
The college’s appearance evolved significantly over time. Its original red brick exterior deemed unfashionable in the early 19th century. Master William Chafy oversaw a dramatic transformation in the 1820s and 1830s. The red brick was covered in cement. The buildings were heightened. The architectural style was enhanced under the direction of Sir Jeffry Wyatville. Coal mines on estates bequeathed to the college provided much-needed funds. These funds financed a new mathematical library and accommodations for mathematics students.
Further expansion followed in 1891. Architect John Loughborough Pearson designed Cloister Court. This wing embodies a Gothic revival style. It subtly recalls the Franciscan friary that once stood here. During the construction workers uncovered medieval graves adding another layer to the site’s complex history.
Sidney Sussex College boasts two courtyards. Chapel Court houses offices student common rooms and the college’s chapel. The chapel’s interior carved in a late 17th-century style reflects a later High Church influence contrasting with the college’s original Puritan ethos. Hall Court takes its name from the dining hall. Sir James Burrough redesigned the dining hall in 1752. The resulting Rococo design aimed to attract students and fellows. The hall features ornate plasterwork pillars and an elaborate ceiling. A portrait of Lady Frances Sidney the college’s founder hangs above the high table.
Today Sidney Sussex College continues to thrive. Its blend of old and new buildings its vibrant student body and its rich history make it a unique and memorable place. The Old Kitchen a new dining space completed in 2021 demonstrates the college’s continued adaptation to modern times. Stand here and feel the weight of centuries the echoes of prayers and scholarly pursuits the legacy of a college built on faith learning and a generous donation.