Trinity Hall
A 1350 foundation on the river with a chained library and an award-winning music building.
Trinity Hall is a compact riverside college off Trinity Lane, and one of the oldest in Cambridge. It was founded in 1350 by William Bateman, Bishop of Norwich. Bateman had lost huge numbers of priests to the Black Death, and his foundation statement named canon and civil law among its aims, which started a tradition of legal study that continues. The name is correct as it stands: it is "Trinity Hall", not "Trinity Hall College", and it is older than its neighbour Trinity College by nearly two centuries.
What to look for
- Front Court. Work began in 1352, with the east range and the hall on the west side done by 1374. The medieval structure survives behind an 18th-century refacing in Portland and Ketton stone.
- The Chapel and Hall. The chapel was built by 1366 and its panelled interior dates from a renovation in 1729-30; the Hall was reworked in similar style, and a large portrait of the then Master dominates it.
- The Old Library. Dating from the late 16th century, it is one of the few chained libraries left in Britain and now houses the manuscripts and rare printed books.
- The WongAvery Music Gallery. Niall McLaughlin Architects designed this 2022 rehearsal and recital building, which won RIBA East and National awards in 2024.
- Land for the Botanic Garden. In 1831 the college sold 38 acres to the university, land the university planned to use for its Botanic Garden.
Why it is a Hall, not a College
Early Cambridge colleges were all called Halls or Houses, and most later switched to "College". Trinity Hall kept its name once Henry VIII founded Trinity College next door, so "Trinity Hall College" is wrong. In 1548-9 it came close to being merged with Clare: a Royal Commission proposed a joint College of Civil Law, but the plan fell through amid the turmoil of the period and the scruples of Bishop Nicholas Ridley.
The chapel
A licence for the chapel dates from 1352, and it was complete by August 1366, when the college received permission to celebrate Mass there. Its decoration comes from the renovation of 1729-30, with wainscotting on the walls and the crests of past Masters on the ceiling. It was extended eastwards in 1864, an operation that uncovered the original piscina, which was hidden behind a secret door. Women were first admitted to the college as undergraduates in 1977.
Practical notes
The Porters' Lodge is the first stop for visitors. Public opening hours for the courts are not published, so ring ahead on 01223 332500 (weekdays 9am-5pm for general enquiries) or email the Head Porter before travelling. The Old Library has its own visiting page on the college website.
Nearby
Within a few minutes' walk
