Jesus College, Cambridge

History

Jesus College was founded in 1496. It took over a site and buildings from the twelfth-century Benedictine nunnery of St Mary and St Radegund and swiftly embarked on a major rebuilding. The nuns’ church, much modified, still serves as the College Chapel. Noteworthy former members of the college include the poet and philosopher Samuel Taylor Coleridge, the novelist Laurence Sterne, the first Astronomer Royal, John Flamsteed, and two of his successors.

Over the centuries, the college’s Tudor buildings have been preserved and restored and new buildings have been added; the result is a delightful and harmonious mixture of tradition and modernity. The newer buildings include the Quincentenary Library, designed by Evans and Shalev and opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1996 to mark the quincentenary of the founding of the college. The college is also a centre for contemporary art, holding regular sculpture exhibitions and acquiring new works for display in the college grounds.

Food & beverage

A continental breakfast with a daily hot option is included in the rates (unless otherwise stated) and is served in the West Court Dining room or College Hall each morning from 7.30 to 9.00 a.m weekdays and 8.00 to 9.30am weekends and public holidays. The location of breakfast will be confirmed to guests upon check-in where they will be issued with a map of the College. 

Where breakfast is not available this is shown under each specific date, the room title will read 'Room only' and the rate will be reduced.

West Court provides a great hub for guests with a Cafe, Pavilion and Bar. Visitors can relax and enjoy coffee, cakes and freshly made sandwiches, or unwind after a conference or day out exploring over evening drinks. Please note that opening times vary outside of term time. 

Grounds & Gardens

The grounds at Jesus College have an extensive variety of beautiful gardens. These include sheltered courts and more informal areas such as the Orchard. Recent improvements to the woodland walk through The Grove at the perimeter of the College Close have earned the gardening team an award for the promotion of biodiversity.

Other facilities

Free wireless internet connection in bedrooms, passwords can be collected from the Porters Lodge on arrival.

Linen, towels and complimentary toiletries and tea/coffee making facilities in the rooms. The housekeeping staff keep the rooms clean and bright.

Most of the rooms have excellent views of various courts and outside spaces. There are lifts to some rooms, which can be allocated on request in the "Additional information" section of the booking form to those who cannot use stairs. Please be aware the college is located in the city centre and there can be traffic noise.