Perfect for those favouring the ‘traditional’ Oxbridge experience, Magdalene was deliberately built in opposition to the town centre, therefore secluding its then students from the commotion and temptations of town.
History
Founded in 1428, Magdalene College has an august history of alumni, buildings, and traditions. As with many Oxbridge colleges, there have been numerous twists and turns in its architectural and managerial developments over the years. However, its motto, garde ta foy (Old French for “keep your faith”), coined by Thomas Audley (Lord Chancellor under Henry VIII), remains firm and is fondly used by students today. These students number roughly 400 at undergraduate level and 200 at graduate level, making the college one of the smaller at the university. Magdalene’s buildings account for its undeniable charm, and central to this is the Pepys Library, containing original manuscripts of the namesake’s diaries as well as thousands of books suiting the diverse academic needs of the college’s members.
Inside Perspective
Magdalene’s hall is unique in that it is the only Oxbridge college to rely solely on candlelight. Highly effective, especially in winter, this reminds its diners of an earlier time. The college, in its modern-day figuration, both cuts across major roads in Cambridge (Chesterton Road and Magdalene Street) and extends along the river. This stunning juxtaposition benefits the pragmatic needs of its illustrious boat club as well as the aesthetic needs of all its dwellers. The pronunciation of the college’s name is a source of confusion for many, with “Mawdlin” being correct. It’s sister college in Oxford contributes to further confusion, being spelt without the final ‘e’ (i.e. Magdalen College) but still being pronounced the same.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni include Bamber Gascoigne (TV presenter, known for University Challenge), Clemency Burton-Hill (broadcaster), John McPhee (writer), John Simpson (journalist), Julian Fellowes (screenwriter), Katie Derham (TV newsreader), Sir Michael Redgrave (actor), Monty Don (television presenter and writer), and Samuel Pepys (diarist and politician). Between 2012 and 2020, Magdalene’s Master was Rowan Williams (former Archbishop of Canterbury), and it’s previous fellows include C. S. Lewis (author and theologian).
Rankings
In 2022, Magdalene came 18th in the Tomkins Table with a score of 67.49 and 28.5% of its students achieving a First.
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