Clare at Cambridge: 4. Pembroke College

Hi Everyone!

Gosh, it's been a long time since I've written anything. My life recently has been pretty mundane. I go to work and I row and I hang out with friends, but that is mostly it these days. Except for seeing Harry Potter the other weekend (SO good, especially with everyone dressed up in their academic gowns and college scarves!), my life has been boring.

However, things are going to start getting interesting again (or at least significantly busier) as term comes to an end. This week I started going to formals again, this time at what is probably my favorite college: Pembroke.

I really like Pembroke. Number one it is really close to where I work, so it is convenient to get to. It also has really good food ( student even write a food blog about it). Sometimes we go there for lunch because it is so near work. It has beautiful gardens right in the middle of the city and is just all-around gorgeous.

Here's some real information about Pembroke:

Pembroke is the third oldest Cambridge college (founded in 1347). It is another of the colleges that was founded by a woman (many of them are), in this case, a french woman named Marie St Pol de Valence. It was originally named for her, but the name was changed to Pembroke because she was married to the Earl of Pembroke. The story goes that when they married (she was 17, he was 50) she was "a maid, wife, and widow" all in one day because he died during a joust on their wedding day. Apparently, though, this isn't true and he actually died of apoplexy three years later.

There are two interesting parts of the college statutes:

1. French students who had already studied at an English university were to be given preference

2. college member are supposed to report on each other if they "drank too much, quarrelled, were extravagant or visited disorderly houses."

Also interesting:

1. The gatehouse is the oldest in Cambridge.

2. Mathew Wren who ended up becoming Chaplain to Prince Charles and the Bishop of Ely was a fellow at Pembroke. He was imprisoned in the Tower of London by Oliver Cromwell. He vowed that when he was released he would build a chapel in his former college. He gave the task to his nephew, Christopher, who designed Pembroke Chapel. It is the first completed work of Cristopher Wren.

One of the things I love most about Pembroke is the atmosphere. While it is pretty formal at hall (they have their own china and silverware, and the high table has separate food during meals!), it is such a beautiful and warm environment. It was a really fun hall to be able to attend (I went on a Gates swap).

Here are some pictures: