Hughes Hall

Hughes Hall is a college of the University of Cambridge, set between the city centre and the railway station. Most of its students are postgraduates, but nearly one-fifth are mature undergraduates aged over 21. Founded in the 19th century as a women’s teacher-training college, it became co-educational in 1973 and now hosts students from more than 60 countries. The main site lies beside Fenner’s cricket ground, with further buildings and houses scattered nearby. A short walk leads to Mill Road Cemetery, where notable figures such as astronomer James Challis are buried. The college’s history is tied to figures like Miss Frances Buss, headmistress of the North London Collegiate School, and Professor James Ward of Trinity College. Its first principal, Elizabeth Phillips Hughes, guided the college from 1885 to 1899. The Wileman Building, designed by William Fawcett and opened in 1895, remains the main college structure. More recent additions include the Centenary Building and the Fenner’s Building, which overlooks the cricket ground. The college also owns houses across the area for student accommodation. Visitors find a mix of historic and modern buildings, student rooms, libraries and social spaces. The Fenner’s Building offers terraces with views of the cricket ground and the tall spire of Our Lady and the English Martyrs Church. Students walk on college lawns and share facilities across subjects from education to the arts. Societies range from a Chess Club to an Enterprise Society, while music groups perform in the Pavilion Room. Sports teams compete in cricket, rowing and other disciplines, with members also active at university and national level.