University of Cambridge

Robinson

1977 BCE

The most recently established college is Robinson, built in the late 1970s.

Darwin College

1964 BCE

Darwin College, the first wholly graduate college of the University, matriculated both men and women students from its inception in 1964 – and elected a mixed fellowship.

Girton College

1869 BCE

The first colleges for women were Girton College (founded by Emily Davies) in 1869

Downing

1800 BCE

Downing College founded in 1800.

Sidney Sussex

1596 BCE

Sidney Sussex College founded in 1596.

Printing books

1534 BCE

A royal charter in 1534 gave the university the right to print books.

The beginning

1290 BCE

In 1290, Cambridge’s status was recognized by papal bull under Pope Nicholas IV, and the visitation of esteemed lecturers and researchers to the university had begun.

First college

1284 BCE

Hugh Balsham, Bishop of Ely, founded Peterhouse, Cambridge's first college, in 1284.

Confirmation by Pope Gregory IX

1233 BCE

In 1233, Pope Gregory IX confirmed Cambridge’s University status in a decree awarding a form of legal protection to the University Chancellor and all attending scholars.

Royal status

1231 BCE

In 1231 University of Cambridge given royal charter status by King Henry III. Henry decreed that only students studying under a recognised Master were allowed to remain in Cambridge.

Organization of scholars

1226 BCE

By 1226 the scholars had organized themselves, offered regular courses of study, and named a Chancellor to lead them.

Establishing

1209 BCE

The start of the university is generally taken as 1209, when scholars from Oxford migrated to Cambridge to escape Oxford’s riots of “town and gown”