Pembroke College

Pembroke College is a constituent college of the University of Cambridge with an old gatehouse, chapel, formal hall, and residential buildings spread across several courtyards and grounds. The site also includes maintained gardens, a library, and various rooms for student life within the historic walls.

Marie de St Pol founded this institution in 1347 after receiving a license from King Edward III to create an educational establishment for students from France and England. Over the centuries, the college grew and added new buildings and courtyards while maintaining its original purpose of academic education.

Students here gather for formal hall four evenings each week in the historic dining room and observe the tradition of reciting a Latin grace before the meal begins. This practice connects the academic community and continues a centuries-old custom still maintained at many colleges across the university.

Visitors can usually enter the grounds during daylight hours, with some areas like the courtyard and chapel open to the public while others remain for members only. The main entrance is on Trumpington Street and can be easily reached on foot from the city center.

The gatehouse here dates from the original construction in the 14th century and is the oldest surviving college entrance in Cambridge. This portal has been in continuous use and still today connects the street with the inner courtyards of the college.

Location: Cambridge

Inception: 1347

Founders: Marie de St Pol

Operator: Pembroke College (University of Cambridge)

Part of: University of Cambridge

Address: Trumpington Street

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

GPS coordinates: 52.20170,0.11920

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:04