Selwyn College, Cambridge facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Selwyn College
Selwyn College's Old Court
Arms of Selwyn College
University	University of Cambridge
Location	Grange Road (map)
Full name	Selwyn College in the University of Cambridge
Abbreviation	SE
Motto	Ανδρίζεσθε
Motto in English	"Quit ye like men"
Established	1882 (1882)
Named after	George Selwyn
Sister colleges	Keble College, Oxford Benjamin Franklin College, Yale
Master	Roger Mosey
Undergraduates	443 (2022-23)
Postgraduates	307 (2022-23)
Map
Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).

Selwyn College, Cambridge is a part of the famous University of Cambridge. It was started in 1882 to remember George Augustus Selwyn. He was the first Bishop of New Zealand and later the Bishop of Lichfield.

The college has beautiful buildings made of stone and brick. These include Old Court, Ann's Court, and Cripps Court. There are also other buildings nearby for students to live in. Selwyn College has about 60 teachers (called fellows) and 110 other staff members. In 2008, Selwyn was ranked first among Cambridge colleges for student exam results. Its sister college at the University of Oxford is Keble College.

Selwyn College's Story

Who Was George Augustus Selwyn?

George Augustus Selwyn (1809–1878)

The college was named after Bishop George Augustus Selwyn. He was very important in setting up New Zealand's church as its first bishop. Selwyn himself studied at St John's College, Cambridge. He was also part of the Cambridge team in the very first Boat Race in 1829.

After finishing his studies, Selwyn taught at Eton College. He became a priest in 1834. Because of his strong leadership, he was chosen to be the Bishop of New Zealand in 1841. He returned to England in 1867 and became the Bishop of Lichfield. He held this job until he passed away in 1878.

How the College Began

After George Selwyn died in 1878, scholars from Cambridge wanted to create a college to honor him. They formed the Selwyn Memorial Committee. This group decided to build a new college in Cambridge as a memorial.

First Master of Selwyn College, Arthur Lyttelton

The first head of the college, called the Master, was Arthur Lyttelton. He was chosen in 1879. Building for the oldest part, now called Old Court, started in 1880. The first stone was laid on June 1, 1881. Queen Victoria officially approved the college on September 13, 1882.

The college opened its doors on October 10, 1882. Selwyn's first 28 students joined the Master and 12 other teachers. Arthur Lyttelton worked hard to make the college strong academically and financially. He even convinced the Prime Minister, William Ewart Gladstone, to donate a chapel bell. Students today call it 'Gladstone's Bell'.

Selwyn College Clock Tower

The college was built with donations and had a strong religious focus. At first, only Christian men who had been baptized could be students. The original rules said the college should help those who wanted to be missionaries and educate the sons of church leaders.

For many years, Selwyn was not a full college of the university. It was called a "Public Hostel." This meant its students were seen as separate from the main university.

Later Changes and Growth

In 1926, Selwyn became an "Approved Foundation," which gave it more security. Then, on March 14, 1958, Selwyn was finally granted full college status.

Selwyn, like most older colleges, only accepted men at first. But it was one of the first colleges to welcome women. Women students were admitted starting in 1976. In 1999, Selwyn hired the first female Director of Music at an Oxford or Cambridge college, Sarah MacDonald. In 2009, Selwyn became the first Cambridge college to have a female head porter, Helen Stephens.

Developing the College Buildings

The college founders bought about 6 acres of land in 1879. This land is still where Old Court and Ann's Court stand today. At first, the location was thought to be far from the university center. But now, Selwyn is right next to the Sidgwick Site, where many university departments are.

The college chapel was built in 1895. The dining hall came later, in 1909. Until 1935, students had to attend chapel. The Selwyn College Library opened in 1929. It was built to honor college members who died in the First World War. The library received many history, politics, and religious books, making it a great resource.

The Dining Hall was built when Richard Appleton was Master. He worked to get money for the hall. Appleton's initials and a special symbol (three apples and a barrel) are on the hall's entrance. The wood panels on the west side of the hall came from an English Church in Rotterdam.

University education was expensive when Selwyn started. The college wanted to help students who might not otherwise afford it. So, the fees were kept low at first. Students paid about £27 per term for food, housing, and lessons. This price went up during the First World War as fewer students attended.

Selwyn College Tower

Buildings and Grounds

Old Court was the first part of the college built, starting in 1880. It uses Ketton stone and red brick, in a style called Victorian Late Perpendicular Gothic Revival. It has seven student staircases, a tower, the Master's house, the Chapel, the Dining Hall, and other rooms. The Selwyn College Library is next to Old Court.

Cripps Court is named after the Cripps Foundation, which gave money for its building. It opened in 1969. Cripps Court has student rooms with private bathrooms. All first-year students at Selwyn live here. It also has rooms for postgraduate students and their common room.

The chapel facing west towards the entrance and organ

Ann's Court, Selwyn College

Ann's Court is the newest part of the college. It uses the same Ketton limestone and brick as the older buildings. It was designed by Demetri Porphyrios. This stone has been used in Cambridge colleges for hundreds of years. Ann's Court has modern interiors with wooden staircases. It was named after Ann Dobson, a major donor. The first part of Ann's Court was finished in 2005, and the second part in 2009.

The college plans to build more in the future. This includes a new library and more student housing. These new buildings will match the current style of limestone and brick. The new library is a top priority for Selwyn College.

Map of Selwyn College (1886)

College Symbols and Motto

The arms used by George Augustus Selwyn as Bishop of Lichfield, above the college's Main Gate to Old Court

Main Gate with the Greek quotation which contains the College motto

Selwyn College's coat of arms combines symbols from the Selwyn family and the Diocese of Lichfield. The arms were officially given in the 1960s. They show a cross and four smaller crosses, with three rings on a black band. The college also has a special badge: a golden hat (mitre) inside a purple ring.

Before the official arms, Selwyn College used symbols believed to be those of George Augustus Selwyn as Bishop of Lichfield. You can still see these above the main gate, built in 1881.

The college motto is a quote from the Bible, from 1 Corinthians, chapter 16, verse 13. In Greek, it is ΑΝΔΡΙΖΕΣΘΕ (andrízesthe). This means "Quit ye like men" or "Be courageous." A longer part of the verse is carved over the main college gate.

College Traditions

Formal Hall Dinners

The Dining Hall, with the tables laid for Formal Hall

Selwyn College holds special dinners called Formal Hall on Tuesday and Thursday evenings during term time. Students can buy tickets for themselves and up to two guests. There is also a special "Halfway Hall" for second-year students. This marks the middle of their time at college. A Christmas Formal is held at the end of every autumn term.

Formal Halls are for students, teachers (fellows), and the Master of the college. Guests from other colleges or outside the university can also attend. These meals have three or four courses and are served by college staff. The fellows and Master sit at the "High Table" at the front of the hall. Students sit at long tables.

Latin Prayer

A Latin prayer, called the Grace, is said at the start of Formal Hall. A Fellow or a Scholar (a student with top marks) recites it. It asks for blessings on the food and thanks God for the gifts.

When the High Table stands up, a short concluding Grace is said: Benedicamus Domino (Let us bless the Lord). The response is Laus Deo (Praise be to God).

Loyal Toast

Selwyn has a tradition where senior fellows and college members stay seated for the college's loyal toast to the King. This is not meant to be disrespectful. It is done to remember a former Master, John Selwyn, who found it hard to stand later in his life. John Selwyn was the second Master of Selwyn College (1893–1898).

Special Lectures

Selwyn College hosts an annual lecture series named after Ramsay Murray, a former student. These lectures started in 1994. Many important politicians, academics, and journalists have given talks. The lectures are free and open to everyone.

Student Life

Porter's Lodge

Selwyn is known as one of the most traditional and friendly colleges at Oxford and Cambridge. Many university members visit Selwyn's dining hall between their classes. Students from other colleges often arrange "Formal Swaps" to dine at Selwyn. Selwyn students must wear their gowns to all formal dinners and college events. The Selwyn gown is black with dark blue lapels.

Student Groups

The Junior Combination Room (JCR) is the student union for undergraduate students. Its elected members organize social events and represent students to the college. They also represent Selwyn at the main university student union. Several JCR presidents have gone on to become important politicians.

The Middle Combination Room (MCR) is for graduate students. It is also represented by a committee. The MCR is located in Cripps Court. The leaders of both the JCR and MCR are part of the College Council, which makes important decisions.

Selwyn College Boat Club (SCBC)

Student Clubs

The college has many student clubs. These include the Hermes Club, Selwyn College Music Society, and Selwyn Jazz. The Mighty Players is an amateur drama group. Selwyn College Boat Club is the official rowing club. Selwyn also has the longest-running student magazine of any Cambridge college, called Kiwi, published since 1982.

The chapel choir is a mixed choir. They sing three services each week during term. The choir has traveled widely and made many CD recordings. The choir has included members from the nearby Newnham College for a long time.

Informal Societies

Like many colleges, Selwyn has some private societies. These include The Controversialists, The Cromwells, and The Templars. Some of these groups are for discussions and debates. Others are known for social gatherings.

The Controversialists

Programme for a 1914 smoking concert of the Controversialists

The Controversialists are the oldest private society at the college. They were started by a group of male students in 1893. The society's goal was to read and discuss English poetry and drama. Both undergraduate and graduate students can join. The society has a limit of twelve members. They usually meet on Sundays. Their symbol is a purple lyre. They often hold "smoking concerts" where poetry is read before political discussions. Members are said to drink only port wine during meetings.

The Templars

The Selwyn College Templars are the second oldest and largest private society. At first, it was only for wealthy, upper-class Anglican students. Members are often involved in campus politics. New members are chosen by current members. They are reportedly "knighted" with a ceremonial sword in a special ceremony each year.

In 2014, some members of the Templars were involved in an incident where inappropriate messages were sent. The college took action against the students involved.

Hermes Club

The Hermes Club started in 1920. Its purpose is to support and improve sports at Selwyn College. It gives money to individual athletes and college teams. It also works with the college to raise the profile of sports. Students can be invited to join if they have achieved high levels in university sports.

Former members of the club help fund two major sports grant programs. Many members of the Hermes Club have become famous in public life, including politicians, actors, and authors.

Winter and May Balls

Selwyn College May Ball Survivors (1948)

Selwyn College is special because it holds an annual Winter Ball called the Selwyn Snowball. This usually happens on the last Friday night of the autumn term. In recent years, the Snowball has grown into a big event. It has three stages and hosts about 850 guests. Famous musicians have performed there. The Selwyn Snowball has often become more popular than its May Ball, which is usually held in June after exams.

The May Ball tradition at Selwyn began in 1948. Hundreds of students dressed up for the all-night party. May Balls continued through the 20th century. The famous band The Who even performed in 1967. In recent years, the Snowball has mostly replaced the May Ball, except for special occasions like the college's 125th anniversary in 2008, and in 2015 and 2017.

Selwyn College Boat Club

The Selwyn College Boat Club (SCBC) is the rowing club for students. It was founded in 1882. In its early days, the club trained many rowers who became Olympic athletes. The SCBC also won intercollegiate races. George Augustus Selwyn, the college's namesake, rowed for Cambridge in the first Boat Race in 1829. The SCBC still has many new rowers joining each year. Famous alumni of the club include Hugh Laurie and Tom Hollander.

In 2014, Selwyn, King's, and Churchill colleges planned a new, modern boathouse on the River Cam. It has long beams and great gym facilities for all rowers. This boathouse was finished in 2015–16. It provides excellent training facilities for Selwyn rowers and other Cambridge students. The project was funded by donations from former students. The new boathouse is larger than the old one and has spaces for socializing and boat care. It won an award for its design in 2017.

Images for kids

• 

  Selwyn College entrance

• 

  Selwyn College Hall

• 

  Selwyn College Chapel interior

• 

  Selwyn College Chapel exterior

• 

  Old Court

• Selwyn College Cloisters
• 

  Selwyn College Boat Club in the 2015 May Bumps

• 

  Selwyn College Boat Club in 1914

• 

  Selwyn College Old Boat House

Famous People Who Studied Here

• 

  Ralph Chubb (poet)

• 

  Lord Deben (politician)

• 

  Sir David Li (banker)

• 

  Robert Harris (author and historian)

• 

  General Sir Peter Wall (Chief of the General Staff)

• 

  Sir Simon Hughes of the Liberal Democrats

• 

  Barry Morgan (Archbishop of Wales)

• 

  John Sentamu (Archbishop of York)

• 

  Richard Harries (Baron of Pentregarth and Bishop of Oxford)

• 

  Peter Beckingham (Diplomat and Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands)

• 

  Tim Stevens (Convenor of the House of Lords and Bishop of Leicester)

• 

  Graham Stuart (Conservative politician)

• 

  Hugh Laurie (actor)

• 

  Robert Lacey (Film/television historical advisor)

• 

  Kate Forbes (SNP Member of the Scottish Parliament)

• 

  Lucy Winkett (Anglican priest)

• 

  Sophie Wilson (Computing pioneer)

• 

  Zia Mody (Indian corporate lawyer)

• 

  Wes Streeting (Labour Member of Parliament)

• 

  Arthur Thomas Porter (Historian/Professor and first Principal of the University of Nairobi)

More to Explore

In Spanish: Selwyn College para niños

• List of Masters of Selwyn College, Cambridge
• List of organ scholars
• Selwyn House School
• Listed buildings in Cambridge (west)