Emmanuel College

Emmanuel College is a constituent institution of the University of Cambridge in England, formed by several buildings arranged around courtyards with lawns and gardens. The 17th-century chapel was designed by Christopher Wren and sits alongside the library and former priory structures that form the central ensemble.

Walter Mildmay founded the institution in 1584 on the grounds of a Dominican priory that Henry VIII had dissolved. The original church was converted into a dining hall during the 16th century, while Wren later created the new chapel.

The name recalls the conversion of the Apostle Paul, chosen because the founder wanted to advance reformed faith. Students today use the former priory church as their dining hall and share meals beneath Gothic vaults.

The main entrance sits on St Andrew's Street, close to the city centre of Cambridge. Public areas such as the Front Court and the chapel are usually open to visitors when no academic events are taking place.

A fishpond in the Fellows' Garden is still fed by a channel dug by medieval monks. Next to the water sits a swimming pool that was built in the mid-20th century.

Location: Cambridge

Inception: 1584

Founders: Walter Mildmay

Website: https://emma.cam.ac.uk

GPS coordinates: 52.20363,0.12366

Latest update: December 13, 2025 16:40