Jesus College in the University of Cambridge was founded in 1496 on the site of a Benedictine nunnery by John Alcock, then Bishop of Ely. It has been traditionally believed that the nunnery was turned into a college because the nunnery had gained a reputation for licentiousness.

The college?s full name is ?The College of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint John the Evangelist and the glorious Virgin Saint Radegund, near Cambridge?. Its common name comes from the name of its chapel, Jesus Chapel. Founded in the beginning of the 11th century, the chapel is the oldest University building in Cambridge still in use.

When founded in 1496, the college consisted of buildings taken over from the nunnery: namely the chapel, and the cloister attached to it; the nuns? refectory, which became the college hall; and the former lodging of the prioress, which became the Master?s Lodge. This set of buildings remains the core of the college to this day, and this accounts for its distinctly monastic and non-collegiate character, which sets it apart from other Cambridge colleges. A library was soon added, on the floor above the college hall, and the chapel was considerably modified and reduced in scale by Alcock.

The 500th anniversary of the college?s foundation in 1996 saw the completion of the new Quincentenary Library, designed by Eldred Evans and David Shalev, which was shortly followed by a new accommodation building.

Jesus College Gatehouse and the ?Chimney?

The college is also known for its grounds, which are unlike those of Cambridge?s other old colleges, being much more spacious. Set back from Jesus Lane, all the courts are open on at least one side (with the exception of the Cloister). The main entrance to the college is a walled passage, called the ?Chimney? (derived from the French word chemin).

Jesus College is one of the few colleges to allow anyone to walk on the lawns of its courts, with the exception of First Court, Cloister Court and those that are burial sites for deceased nuns from the original nunnery. However, in common with other Cambridge colleges, this privilege is only extended during the summer term. Jesus is one of the more beautiful colleges but gets far fewer tourists than most other colleges due to being slightly away from the centre.

Professor Robert Mair, Fellow of St John?s and Professor of Geotechnical Engineering in the university, has been Master of Jesus since March 2001.

Jesus College is the 6th wealthiest college in Cambridge with assets of £127 million(2007).

The college also maintains two choirs, both directed by Daniel Hyde:

• Jesus College Choir consists of male and female students and sings regular services twice a week in the chapel. One of the leading choirs in Cambridge, its singers are mainly drawn from the college's own students, but also includes singers from a number of other colleges.
• Jesus College Chapel Choir consists of around 20 choristers combined with the Gentlemen of the College Choir, and also sings services twice a week in the chapel. It is unique among Cambridge college choirs in that the choristers are volunteers - that is, they are drawn from schools around the city, and do not attend a particular choir school.

Notable alumni

See also Category:Alumni of Jesus College, Cambridge

The cloister in the college grounds

Masters and Fellows of Jesus College

See List of Masters of Jesus College, Cambridge

See also Category: Fellows of Jesus College, Cambridge

External links

• Jesus College website
• Jesus College Student Union website
• Jesus College Graduate Union website
• Map showing the college?s location near the centre of Cambridge
• Jesus College Medical Society website
• Jesus College Choir website
• Jesus College Music Society

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