Queens' College

Queens' College is a college of the University of Cambridge in England that occupies land on both sides of the River Cam, with courtyards and residential wings spread between the two areas. The older section features red brick medieval construction with enclosed quadrangles, while newer structures house student accommodation on the opposite bank.

Margaret of Anjou founded the college in 1448, and Elizabeth Woodville refounded it in 1475, which explains the plural possessive apostrophe in its name. The wooden bridge linking the two sides was first built in 1749 and has been replaced several times, with the current version dating from 1905.

The name honors two queens who each supported the foundation, reflected in the college's dual identity across both river banks. Students still gather in the medieval hall for formal dinners, continuing a tradition that shapes daily life here.

Access is restricted on most days during term time, but visitors can often explore the main courtyards and the bridge in the early afternoon. Walking along the river path offers good views of the buildings from outside even when the interior areas are closed.

The bridge uses straight teak timbers arranged tangentially to form an arch without any curved pieces, a construction method that appears simple but requires careful calculation. Many visitors mistakenly believe Isaac Newton designed it, though he died decades before it was built.

Location: Cambridge

Inception: 1448

Founders: Margaret of Anjou, Elizabeth Woodville

Part of: University of Cambridge

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

GPS coordinates: 52.20222,0.11472

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:17