
overlooking the River Cam
The history of the college goes back to 1428, when Crowland Abbey established a hostel for monks north of the river (further from the temptations of the town than the existing colleges). In the 1470s the abbeys of Ely, Ramsey and Walden joined Crowland in adding to the hostel and creating a chapel and communal buildings. Financial support from the 2nd Duke of Buckingham resulted in a name change from Monk's Hostel to Buckingham College, and lay students were admitted.
The 3rd Duke of Buckingham added the Hall in 1519 before he, like his father, was executed for treason. Under the patronage of Thomas, Lord Audley, the college was refounded as the College of St Mary Magdalene in 1542. The coat of arms of Magdalene College, its motto "Garde ta Foy" ('Keep faith') and wyvern crest, all derive from Lord Audley.

When Samuel Pepys died he left his collection of books to Magdalene, with an unusual stipulation. The books were to be inspected annually by Trinity College, and if they were found to be in poor condition Trinity would get to keep them. Thereafter Magdalene would inspect the books in Trinity's care with the same proviso. The books have never changed colleges.
The Library building in Second Court was planned in the 1640s but not finished until the early years of the following century. As a reesult it is a curious mix of classical and Jacobean styles, giving a different impression from different viewing angles.
The Library houses 3000 volumes, arranged according to size from smallest to largest, arranged in twelve 17th century oak bookcases. The library desk is reputed to be Pepys' own writing desk.
Included in the library collection are 7 printed books by William Caxton, and 8 by Wynkin de Worde. Pepys' own diary is housed here, in six volumes.
About Magdalene College
Address: Magdalene Street,
Cambridge,
Cambridgeshire,
England, CB3 0AG
Attraction Type: Historic Building
Website: Magdalene College
Phone: 01223 332 100
Location
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OS: TL447 590
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low to exceptional) on historic interest
Kettle's Yard -
0.1 miles (Art Gallery)
Cambridge and County Folk Museum -
0.1 miles (Museum)
St Johns College -
0.1 miles (Historic Building)
Cambridge, St Peter's Church -
0.1 miles (Historic Church)
Round Church, Cambridge -
0.2 miles (Historic Church)
Trinity College -
0.2 miles (Historic Building)
Trinity Hall -
0.3 miles (Historic Building)
Sidney Sussex College -
0.3 miles (Historic Building)
Nearest Accommodation to Magdalene College:
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Fulbourn, Cambridgeshire
Sleeps: 2
Stay from: £228.00 - 547.00
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Cambridge
Tourist Information Centre
Peas Hill
Cambridge
Cambridgeshire
England
CB2 3AD
Tel: 01223 791 500
Alternate Tel: 01223 791 501 (Tours)
Email: info@visitcambridge.org
Web: http://www.visitcambridge.org
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