Girton College

Girton College's first incarnation was in the form of the first resident University College for Women which opened at Hitchin in 1869. It was established by Emily Davies and Barbara Bodichon to provide higher education for women. Davies's vision was to establish a college 'designed to hold in relation to girls' schools and home teaching a position analogous to that occupied by the universities towards public schools for boys'.

The college was renamed Girton College and moved to its present site on Huntingdon Road, in Girton Parish, in 1873. However it was not until 1948 that women were afforded full membership of the University of Cambridge, and Girton College was granted the status of a College of the University.

The college's spacious grounds have enabled it to expand successively since the grounds were purchased. The original building, designed by Alfred Waterhouse, has been added to many times. Recently the college has benefited from a new award-winning library extension. Girton College also boasts its own heated swimming pool.

The college's aspiration changed from its original remit in the 1970s, as it opened its doors to males; men were admitted as Fellows in 1977, and male undergraduates joined from 1979.

Website: Girton College