Jesus College

Jesus College was founded in 1496 by John Alcock, Bishop of Ely. The college took over the site of a Benedictine nunnery. It is widely believed that the nunnery was turned into a college because it had gained a reputation for promiscuity.

Though commonly known as Jesus College, the college's full name is "The College of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint John the Evangelist and the glorious Virgin Saint Radegund, near Cambridge". You can see why the full name is not often used! The common name comes from the college's chapel, Jesus Chapel. Founded in the early 11th century, the chapel is the oldest Cambridge University building still in use.

Location

Jesus College is set back a little from the town centre, away from the river. As a result it receives fewer tourists than other colleges, despite having beautiful grounds. Unlike many of Cambridge's other old colleges the grounds are very spacious. All but one of the courts are open on one side, which is very unusual amongst Cambridge colleges.

When founded the college consisted chiefly of buildings taken over from the nunnery: the chapel and cloisters; the nuns' refectory; and the prioress' house which became the Master's Lodge. Although the chapel has since been modified and reduced in scale, this set of buildings remains the core of the college and lends a monastic character which sets it apart from other colleges.

any student caught riding the horse is expelled

The entrance to the college is distinctive due to the walled passage leading to the gatehouse. The passage is known as the "Chimney" (from the French chemin). Unusually Jesus College permits anyone to walk on the lawns during summer term, with the exception of First Court, Cloister Court, and those which were burial grounds for the original nunnery.

First Court contains the famous Jesus Horse (a statue) of which the college is very protective. Any Jesus student caught riding the horse is sent down (expelled).

Famous alumni

Thomas Robert Malthus and Samuel Taylor Coleridge are probably the college's most famous alumni. More recently Jesus College was home to Don Siegel, Nick Hornby and Prince Edward.

For more information about the college and their opening times please visit their website