Much of Cambridge stands out. If you are in an older part of the town, nearly every building looks historic and impressive. You are walking down the street and you find yourself staring at the particularly impressive medieval gate of St. John’s College and wonder how it is still there. And then you turn around and are greeted with the Old Divinity School. Impressive in it’s own right, you can’t help but notice it. However, there is more to what meets the eye with the Old Divinity School at Cambridge…
What Is It?
The Old Divinity School was the site of The Faculty of Divinity of the University of Cambridge. Divinity has been taught at Cambridge since the university was founded in 1209, and is one of only two subject that have been continuously taught. Originally the Faculty was housed in the Selwyn Divinity School, but they are now at the Sidgwick Site in Cambridge. This building is on St. John’s College property, and now belongs to the college.
How Old Is the Old Divinity School?
A more than fair question, how old is the Old Divinity School? It’s actually not that old, at least not in comparison to other buildings and sites at Cambridge. This building dates back to 1878-1879, and was designed by architect Basil Champneys. (He also designed the John Rylands Library in Manchester, Newnham College at Cambridge and several different Oxford colleges.) It was built in a faux Tudor style, which you often see in the later-nineteenth and early twentieth century. Although it doesn’t date back to the sixteenth century, it is still gorgeous, and you should absolutely make sure to see it when you are in Cambridge!
Looking for more Cambridge history?
You can see King’s College and the King’s College Chapel!
Wanting to go punting in Cambridge? I’ve got my best tips to make the most of it!
More of a fan of the medieval period? Visit the Round Church!
Have you seen the Old Divinity School in Cambridge?
Cheers,
The Historian
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