The History of Christ’s College
Christ’s College was first established as ‘God’s-house’ in 1437 by William Byngham, a London Parish priest. Shortly after receiving its Royal Licence from Henry VI, God’s-house was forced to move from its original site, as this was needed for the King’s new project (which was to become King’s College).
God’s-house moved to its present site in 1448 where it was re-founded as Christ’s College in 1505 by Lady Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII. Lady Margaret has been honoured ever since as the Foundress. The College buildings, which contain many visual references to the Foundress, span the 500 years since foundation.
First Court
First Court is the oldest part of the college, dating from the 15th century, containing the Chapel, Master’s Lodge, Dining Hall, Buttery and Library.
The Chapel dates back to the foundation of God’s-house, in the middle of the 15th century, but was rebuilt by Lady Margaret Beaufort and consecrated in 1510.
The Hall
The Hall, first constructed in the early 16th century, was rebuilt in 1875-79, retaining the original roof.
In Second Court, the Fellows’ Building was constructed in 1640-44 and gives access to the Fellows’ Garden, one of the highlights of which is Milton’s Mulberry Tree.
Third Court
In Third Court, the three buildings which form this court date from the 19th and 20th centuries. New Court was designed by Sir Denys Lasdun and dates from 1969-70. Behind this building, facing onto King Street, lies the newest of the College buildings, Staircase 4, completed in 1994.
Christ’s College Alumni
The College has many distinguished Alumni including Charles Darwin and John Milton. You can visist the famous Milton’s Mulberry Tree in our Fellow’s Garden.
A full list of our alumni can be found here
