Trinity Hall
Trinity Hall, Cambridge, is one of the university’s oldest and most storied colleges. Founded in 1350 by Bishop William Bateman of Norwich, it has a deep and enduring connection to law, particularly canon and civil law, which was the primary focus of its early studies. The college was established in the wake of a shortage of clergymen and legal professionals following the Black Death of 1349, which saw devastating losses, including the death of 700 priests from Bateman’s own parish.
College Overview
Founded: 1350 by Bishop Bateman
Students: Around 650
Fellows: 60
Alumni: Over 8,000
Location: Adjacent to the River Cam, nestled between larger colleges and on Trinity Lane, where all colleges converge
Nickname: Often called Trinity Hall to distinguish itself from the larger Trinity College nearby.
Historical Significance:
Trinity Hall’s formation came at a time of great social upheaval. The Black Death (1347–1351) decimated Europe, killing over 25 million people, and it took centuries for the population to recover. The resulting labor shortage shifted economic power towards workers, improving their living conditions. Bateman’s establishment of Trinity Hall was intended to ensure the continuity of trained clergymen and legal professionals, an urgent need in the aftermath of the plague.
The college’s proximity to the river and its position between some of Cambridge’s larger institutions give it a unique charm, marked by centuries of history and tradition. The founding of Trinity College in 1546 is tied to opposition by the Master of Trinity Hall at the time to King Henry VIII’s marriage and the resulting dissolution of monasteries. As a result, Trinity College was named as a form of royal punishment.
Architecture:
Trinity Hall’s buildings reflect its long history, with original structures dating back to the 14th century. The Front Court was constructed shortly after the college’s founding, but the college’s architectural character was notably reshaped in the 1700s under the mastership of Sir Nathaniel Lloyd. The Baroque-style façade, replacing medieval beams and panels with classic pillars, was one of the key transformations of the time.
The Old Library: This library, dating from 1590, is the oldest original library in Cambridge. It still holds rare books and manuscripts, and it features a unique system in which valuable books are physically chained to their bookcases to prevent theft.
The Jerwood Library: Completed in 1998, the Jerwood Library was designed by Freeland Rees Roberts and stands as a modern, award-winning space. Its five levels house a contemporary collection and provide a prime student study space with views over the River Cam. The library is open 24 hours a day, embodying the college’s commitment to both its history and its future.
Chapel: The college chapel, built in 1366, has been a central place of worship for Trinity Hall members since its construction. With permission granted by Pope Urban V to celebrate the Eucharist, the chapel is a testament to the college’s religious foundation. It is also renowned for its beautiful garden that overlooks the River Cam.
Notable Alumni & Fellows:
Stephen Hawking (1942–2018): Perhaps the most famous alumnus of Trinity Hall, Hawking was a theoretical physicist and cosmologist renowned for his work on general relativity and cosmology. Despite being diagnosed with motor neurone disease at the age of 21, he went on to become the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge (a position previously held by Isaac Newton). His bestselling book, A Brief History of Time, made him a global figure. He also founded the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology at Cambridge in 2007.
Thomas James MBE: A two-time Olympic gold medalist, James is another notable figure in the college’s rich history.
Mary Hockaday, MA: The current Master of the College since 2022, Hockaday has continued the college’s tradition of distinguished leadership.
Notable Alumni & Fellows:
Trinity Hall remains a key player in the academic, legal, and scientific spheres, with its centuries-old traditions continuing to shape the college today. While it is one of Cambridge’s smaller colleges in terms of size, it continues to maintain a strong presence through its vibrant student body, distinguished fellows, and longstanding ties to the fields of law, science, and academia.
The college’s enduring legacy and commitment to both its history and the future ensure that it continues to produce generations of leaders, thinkers, and innovators.