Sidney Sussex College, College of the University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Sidney Sussex College is a teaching institution of the University of Cambridge in England, comprising two courtyards surrounded by stone buildings with classical pediments and arches. Trees and lawns grow within the courtyards, while the buildings rise several stories with symmetrically arranged windows.
It was founded in 1596 through the bequest of Countess Frances Sidney, who set aside part of her fortune for a new teaching institution. The site previously belonged to the Franciscan friary of Cambridge, whose remains were later rediscovered during excavations.
The name honors Frances Sidney, a noblewoman whose will made its foundation possible. Today the rooms are used by students for teaching and dining, while the chapel still serves for worship.
Visitor access is limited to certain times, so check before you go. The courtyards are reached through narrow entrances, while some areas remain restricted to university members.
The chapel houses the burial of Oliver Cromwell, whose head was interred here after a turbulent history during the 17th and 18th centuries. This part of the building is normally not open to visitors.
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