Clare College: Places to see in Cambridge

Much of the wealth and beauty of the colleges in the University of Cambridge comes from private endowments, of which Clare College is a prime example. Over the course of her storied life, her name has changed three times. Located on Trinity Lane, Clare College is the second oldest college at the university. She also extends back to what locals call the "Backs" this is the area of all colleges that touches the River Cam, on which tourists rent punts to navigate up and down during the Summer.

Founded in 1326 as University Hall by the university chancellor, Richard de Badew, the college would suffer financial hardships until 1338 when Elizabeth de Clare, a granddaughter of Edward I, donated much of her fortune to the college. In a mark of respect, the college was renamed Clare Hall. The name changed to Clare College in 1856.

Elizabeth de Clare could be considered a modern woman for our times thanks to the opportunities afforded to her through her marriages. In 1314, she became one of the richest heiresses in the country. She participated in the drafting of the college statutes in 1359.

A second endowment in 1430 solidified Elizabeth de Clare’s vision and Clare College began to blossom as a centre of learning. The Old Court was extended between 1638 and 1715. Of this period, the north Gothic side is the oldest block, while the southern Classical one is the most recent. Some say that one of the architects was Inigo Jones, but you have to be careful when believing the story, because all the colleges like to spread stories of themselves to embellish their history.

The library holds some of the oldest medieval manuscripts in the country and is worthy of a visit for any literature aficionado. There is a chapel on the grounds dating from 1763, which plays host to internationally renowned performances. If you can spare a moment, go in when a concert is scheduled.

The college is home to about 600 students. Many colleges have beautiful gardens, which are restricted to the use of the students and fellows, but open to the public during certain times of the years. Those of Clare College are especially attractive. Dykes surround the garden separating it from the public and neighbouring college space. Yews and chestnuts dominate the landscape. There are remains of a stonewall that used to be part of a kitchen garden. The pond in the centre will have flowers overflowing around it from May onwards.

You will find another Clare Hall. It is a separate university college, but was founded through the efforts of Clare College. Only a few postgraduate students call it home. If you do a take a punt along the Backs, look at the college’s bridge for the missing piece in one of the fourteen stone balls; a wonderful story lies behind it. Some have called this bridge one of the worst designs ever, but one can not argue with the fact that it is the oldest surviving one of the colleges dating back to 1640. Enjoy!

Official Site for Clare College, Cambridge University