Emmanuel College, built in yellow-pink Northamptonshire stone, was founded in 1584 by Sir Walter Mildmay, Elizabeth I's Chancellor of the Exchequer. The site cost him only GBP550! Puritan from the outset, it suffered during the Catholic Counter Reformation in the 1630s, and some of its graduates sailed west to the New World. Among them was John Harvard, who founded Harvard University in New town, Massachusetts. A plaque and window in the chapel pay tribute to him. Christopher Wren designed the chapel in 1666, the facade with Corinthian columns, pediment and cupola. The college architecture includes old and new: the most recent, Michael Hopkin's celebrated Queen's Building. Famous alumni include Cecil Parkinson and Griff Rhys Jones. Wheelchair users should note there is one step into the chapel. The college has unpredictable opening hours.
- Type:
Attractions & Landmarks, Educational
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