Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge facts for kids
Fitzwilliam College is one of the many colleges that make up the famous University of Cambridge in England. Students often call it Fitz for short. It officially became a college in 1966. However, its history goes back much further, to 1869. Back then, it started as a way to help students who didn't have a lot of money to study at Cambridge.
Today, Fitzwilliam College is quite large, with about 750 students. It's also known for being very good at sports! Many famous people have studied here, including Charles Scott Sherrington and Albert Szent-Györgyi, who both won Nobel Prizes for their amazing discoveries.
The college gets its name from the important Fitzwilliam family.
Contents
What is Fitzwilliam College?
Fitzwilliam College is a part of the University of Cambridge. It's like a smaller community within the larger university. Students live, eat, and study here. They also get support from tutors and staff. The college helps students feel at home while they learn.
How Did Fitzwilliam College Start?
The college has a long and interesting history. It began in 1869 as "Fitzwilliam House." At that time, it was created to help students who couldn't afford to join the older, more expensive colleges. It offered a way for talented students from all backgrounds to get a Cambridge education. This idea was quite new and important for its time.
Over the years, Fitzwilliam House grew and became more established. It moved to different locations as it expanded. Finally, in 1966, it officially became a full college of the university. This was a big step, showing how much it had grown.
Life at Fitzwilliam College
Fitzwilliam College is home to around 750 students. This makes it one of the bigger colleges at Cambridge. Students at Fitzwilliam study a wide range of subjects. They also take part in many activities. The college has a strong tradition in sports. Many students enjoy playing different games and competing against other colleges.
The college has beautiful buildings and grounds. It provides a great place for students to live and learn. There are also many clubs and societies. These help students make friends and explore new interests.
Famous People from Fitzwilliam College
Many bright minds have passed through the doors of Fitzwilliam College. Some of them went on to achieve great things.
Nobel Prize Winners
Two former students won the prestigious Nobel Prize:
- Charles Scott Sherrington: He was a neuroscientist. He won the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1932. He discovered important things about how our nerves and muscles work together.
- Albert Szent-Györgyi: He was a Hungarian physiologist. He won the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1937. He is famous for discovering Vitamin C.
Other Notable Alumni
Many other people who studied at Fitzwilliam College became leaders in their fields:
- Subhas Chandra Bose: An important Indian revolutionary leader.
- Lee Kuan Yew: He was the first Prime Minister of Singapore. He led his country for many years.
- Joseph Stiglitz: A famous economist. He was the World Bank Chief Economist and won the Nobel Prize for Economics in 2001.
- Vince Cable: A British politician. He was a government minister and leader of a political party.
- Angus Deaton: Another economist who won the Nobel Prize for Economics in 2015.
- Andy Burnham: A politician who is now the Mayor of Greater Manchester.
- Cressida Dick: She was the first female Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police in London.
- David Leakey: A high-ranking military officer and official.
- Norman Lamont: A politician who was in charge of the UK's money as Chancellor of the Exchequer.
- Queen Sofía of Spain: She was the Queen Consort of Spain.
- David Starkey: A well-known historian and TV presenter.
These individuals show the wide range of talents and achievements of people who studied at Fitzwilliam College.
Images for kids
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31 Trumpington Street (opposite the Fitzwilliam Museum), home of Fitzwilliam House 1874-1963
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The College sign on Huntingdon Road (removed in May 2008 to make way for further building work).
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The present main entrance and porters' lodge on Storey's Way.
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One of the college hostels, located off Storey's Way
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High Table in Dining Hall
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Tree Court
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Inside the College Chapel
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Wilson Court
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Gatehouse Court
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Part of the Olisa Library and the south façade of the Grove
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Fitzwilliam Street, where many of the non-collegiate (i.e. Fitzwilliam) students originally resided
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The college colours of grey and red are used prominently on the scarf
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Lime tree avenue leading to the Grove
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Fitzwilliam Quartet in 2008
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The entrance to Fitzwilliam's sports grounds on Oxford Road
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Sir Charles Scott Sherrington, neuroscientist, winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine (1932)
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Albert Szent-Györgyi, Hungarian physiologist famous for discovering Vitamin C, winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine (1937)
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Subhas Chandra Bose, Indian revolutionary leader
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Lee Kuan Yew, the first Prime Minister of Singapore (1959–90)
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Joseph Stiglitz, the World Bank Chief Economist (1997–2000) and the winner of the Nobel Prize for Economics (2001)
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Vince Cable, politician, Leader of the Liberal Democrats (2017–19) and Business Secretary (2010–15)
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Angus Deaton, economist and winner of the Nobel Prize for Economics (2015)
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Andy Burnham, politician, Mayor of Greater Manchester (2017–), Health Secretary (2009–10) and Culture Secretary (2008–09)
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Cressida Dick, first female Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police (2017–22)
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David Leakey, Director General of the European Union Military Staff (2007–10) and Black Rod (2011–18)
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Norman Lamont, politician, Chancellor of the Exchequer (1990–92)
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Queen Sofía of Spain, Queen Consort of Spain to Juan Carlos I of Spain (1975–2014)
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David Starkey, constitutional historian and radio and television presenter
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