Gonville and Caius College

Gonville and Caius College stands in the heart of Cambridge, just off Trinity Street. Founded in 1348, it is one of the university’s oldest colleges and has grown from a small hall into a large, influential institution. The college occupies several historic courts, each with its own character and story. Gonville Court, the oldest part, dates from 1353, while Caius Court was added in the 16th century by John Caius. The college’s chapel, built in 1393, is the oldest purpose-built college chapel still in use in Oxford or Cambridge. The college has produced many notable figures, including fifteen Nobel Prize winners, the second-highest number of any Oxbridge college. Its alumni include physicians, scientists, and leaders who shaped the university and beyond. John Caius, a renowned physician and master, expanded the college and introduced rules that reflected the standards of his time. The college’s influence extends to the wider university, with land provided for the Faculty of Law and other colleges. Visitors find a mix of historic and modern buildings set around peaceful courts. The Gate of Humility marks the entrance for new students, while the Gate of Honour leads to the Senate House for graduation. Tree-lined paths and landscaped gardens provide quiet spaces for study or reflection. Harvey Court, a modern addition, offers en-suite accommodation and conference facilities. The college’s library, housed in the Cockerell Building, holds one of the largest collections in Oxbridge.