Robinson College, Cambridge

Robinson College is one of the colleges that make up the University of Cambridge. It was created in 1977, making it one of the newest colleges in the famous group known as Oxbridge. Unlike older colleges, Robinson was designed to welcome both students who are just starting their studies and those who are continuing with more advanced learning. It was also planned to include both men and women from the very beginning.

The college was made possible thanks to a generous gift from a kind and helpful businessman named Sir David Robinson. In 1981, the college was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II, and students of all ages were able to begin their learning there.

History

The College started after a kind man named David Robinson gave £17 million to help create a new college in Cambridge. Later, he gave another £1 million when the college opened officially. The first students who had finished their studies and teachers joined the college in 1977. The first students who were learning began joining in 1979, with more coming the next year. The college was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in May 1981.

Robinson College keeps some old traditions, like special dinners and having a chapel. But it also has some new ideas, like letting students walk on the grass in the college gardens. Overall, Robinson College is known for being a bit less formal than other colleges in Cambridge.

Buildings and grounds

Robinson College's buildings were designed by Andy MacMillan and Isi Metzstein. They are special because they use handmade red bricks. In November 2022, Historic England gave the college a special award called Grade II* listed status. In 2008, a newspaper called The Daily Telegraph named it one of the 50 most inspiring buildings in Britain. The college has a big dining hall that can seat 300 people and a library known for its beautiful woodwork.

The college is located about ten minutes west of Cambridge city centre. It sits on a 12.5-acre wooded area with gardens that date back to Victorian and Edwardian times. There is also a small stream running through the grounds. Some older buildings like Thorneycreek House and the Crausaz Wordsworth Building are part of the college, along with an outdoor theatre. The college also has houses on nearby roads for student housing.

The main entrance has a special ramp that makes it easy for people using wheelchairs to enter. There are also facilities to help students with physical or visual disabilities. The Needham Research Institute is located within the college grounds.

Chapel

The chapel at Robinson College is part of the main campus. It has a large, beautiful stained glass window called Light of the World. This window was designed by John Piper and made by Patrick Reyntiens. The window has many glass panels arranged in a special shape and shows the sun, fields, and flowers. The chapel also has special furniture and a ceramic wall plaque designed by Piper. There is also a special organ in a gallery above part of the chapel.

Student life

Students at Robinson College have a group called the Robinson College Students' Association, or RCSA, led by a President. Each year, students elect members to the RCSA committee. The college is known for its liberal views and has many students who work on environmental projects.

Robinson College offers many places for students to relax and have fun, like a TV room, art room, and a café. The college also has two large rooms that students can use for movies or performances. There is a special room for parties and music practice, along with a music room and a chapel.

The college has many sports teams, including teams for hockey, rowing, and rugby. The hockey team has won several big competitions.

Notable people

Alumni

See also: Category:Alumni of Robinson College, Cambridge

Robinson College has many famous graduates. Some well-known alumni include Robert Webb, a comedian and writer, and Nick Clegg, a former Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Other notable graduates are Konnie Huq, a television presenter, and Justine Thornton, a High Court Judge.

Fellows

See also: Category:Fellows of Robinson College, Cambridge

The college also has many respected teachers and scholars known as Fellows. Some of these include Dame Athene Donald, a scientist, and Albrecht Fröhlich, a mathematician.

List of Wardens

See also: Category:Wardens of Robinson College, Cambridge

Robinson College has had three leaders called Wardens. They are Jack Lewis, Baron Lewis of Newnham, who led from 1977 to 2001, David Yates, who led from 2001 to 2021, and Richard Heaton, who began leading in October 2021.