St Catharine's College

St Catharine's College is a college of the University of Cambridge with red brick buildings forming an open courtyard facing Trumpington Street. The seventeenth-century chapel stands in the northern part of the main court and links the older section with later additions.

Robert Woodlark founded the institution in 1473 with permission from King Edward IV, who issued a royal charter two years after opening. The original buildings were later demolished and replaced by the current seventeenth-century structures.

The name comes from Saint Catherine of Alexandria, who died in the fourth century and later became patron saint of scholars. Formal dinners take place in the hall, where students and teachers eat together and can hold academic conversations.

The main entrance is located on Trumpington Street in the city center, close to other university buildings and shopping streets. Visitors can usually enter the courtyard during daytime hours, though some areas remain open only to members.

Charles Kirkby Robinson was elected Master in 1861 through a vote in which he cast his ballot for himself and thereby won the position. He then remained in that role for forty-eight years until he retired in 1909.

Location: Cambridge

Inception: 1473

Founders: Robert Woodlark

Part of: University of Cambridge

Website: http://caths.cam.ac.uk

GPS coordinates: 52.20300,0.11690

Latest update: December 13, 2025 19:53