Central · Founded 1284
Peterhouse
The oldest and one of the smallest Cambridge colleges, where a 13th-century hall and quiet courts give the clearest sense of the medieval university.
The college
A closer
look.
Central — Trumpington Street
Founded 1284. Founded in 1284 by Hugh de Balsham, Bishop of Ely, making it the oldest college in Cambridge.
Medieval at its core: the 13th-century Hall is the oldest college building in Cambridge, restored in the Victorian period with William Morris decoration, while the chapel of 1628, built under Matthew Wren, closes the front court with an unusual mix of Gothic and classical detail.
On a visit
Don’t miss.
- 01The 13th-century Hall
- 02The chapel of 1628
- 03Old Court
- 04The Deer Park
- 05Little St Mary's church next door, once the college chapel
Connected to
Notable
names.
- Charles Babbage
- Lord Kelvin
- Henry Cavendish
- Frank Whittle
- James Mason
- Michael Portillo
Before you go
Visiting Peterhouse
The college is open to the public for much of the year without a stated charge; visitors should report first to the Porters' Lodge on Trumpington Street. It closes to the public and to large groups at certain times, including exam periods and college events, so it advises contacting the Porters for current opening information.
Opening hours, admission and access change often — check the official site before you travel.
- Founded
- 1284
- Area
- Central — Trumpington Street
- Type
- College
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