Central-S · Founded 1800
Downing College
The purest neo-classical ensemble in Cambridge, laid out as open parkland rather than enclosed courts, and often called the oldest of the new colleges and the newest of the old.
The college
A closer
look.
Central-s — Regent Street
Founded 1800. Founded by Royal Charter in 1800 under the 1717 will of Sir George Downing, 3rd Baronet, after thirty-six years of litigation over his estate, making it the only college added to the university between 1596 and 1869.
William Wilkins's Greek Revival ranges of 1807–1820, built in pale Ketton stone, frame the broad lawns of the Domus, giving the college the feel of a neo-classical campus; twentieth-century classicists Sir Herbert Baker and Quinlan Terry continue the idiom, including Terry's Maitland Robinson Library of 1993.
On a visit
Don’t miss.
- 01William Wilkins's Greek Revival East and West Ranges
- 02The great lawn of the Domus
- 03The neo-classical Chapel completed in 1953
- 04Quinlan Terry's Maitland Robinson Library
- 05The Heong Gallery in converted Edwardian stables
Connected to
Notable
names.
- F. R. Leavis (literary critic and Fellow)
- John Cleese (comedian and actor)
- Quentin Blake (illustrator)
- Trevor Nunn (theatre director)
- Thandiwe Newton (actress)
- Mike Atherton (England cricket captain)
Before you go
Visiting Downing College
The college states that the Howard Gate is normally open to the public from 10.30am to 4.30pm daily, but that it may be locked at times and there is no public right of way through the grounds, so access cannot be assumed; current arrangements are set out on the college website.
Opening hours, admission and access change often — check the official site before you travel.
- Founded
- 1800
- Area
- Central-s — Regent Street
- Type
- College
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