Physwick Hostel, Cambridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Physwick Hostel |
|
|---|---|
| University | Cambridge University |
| Location | Trinity Lane |
| Founder | William Fiswick |
| Established | 1393 |
| Closed | 1546 |
| Sister college | Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge |
| Undergraduates | 30-40 |
Physwick Hostel was once a part of the famous University of Cambridge in England. It was located where the Trinity Great Court is today. The hostel was started in 1393 by William Fiswick. He was a university official. William Fiswick gave his hall on Trinity Lane to Gonville Hall (which later became Gonville and Caius College).
William Revell, a church leader from Norfolk, added more rooms and places to stay. These extra spaces were for students to use for fun or when they were sick. This was especially helpful during times when the Black Death returned.
Physwick Hostel was much bigger than the main Gonville Hall. It usually had between 30 and 40 students. Sometimes, it even had over 80 students at once! While it didn't produce many famous religious leaders, it was known for educating many smart and important people. Some of these students went on to hold important jobs at the college or even in the government. For example, Walter Hart, who became a Bishop, supported 12 students at Physwick.
You might find Physwick Hostel mentioned in some of Susanna Gregory's mystery books, which feature a character named Matthew Bartholomew.
In 1467, Gonville Hall also bought another place called St Margaret's Hostel. Then, in 1481, they rebuilt both hostels together. They created one large building with a hall and a tall gate tower.
In 1546, Physwick Hostel and St Margaret's were combined into a new college. This new college was called Trinity College. This happened because Henry VIII, the King, decided to merge several smaller colleges and hostels. Other places like Michaelhouse and King’s Hall also became part of Trinity College.
Who Ran Physwick Hostel?
Physwick Hostel was managed by two leaders called Principals. One Principal was in charge of money. The other helped guide the students' studies. The Master of Caius College chose the first Principal. But the students themselves elected the second Principal! This was quite unusual for universities back then. It meant students had a say in who would teach them.
Some of the people who were Principals of Physwick Hostel include:
- John Tanne (around 1500 and 1503)
- (Godfrey) Aleyn (in 1509)
- Edward Crome (from 1509 to 1511)
- Nicholas Shaxton (from 1512 to 1513)
- John Caius (appointed in 1533)
