St John's College News

  1. William Wordsworth (1770-1850) relics

    William Wordsworth (1770-1850) relics
    Breakfast cup, saucer, and plateWhite porcelain, decorated with coloured flowers and birds. Each piece is marked on the bottom 'No 12672 %'. Measurements as follows.Tea cup 75mm H, 102mm W at top, 57mm W at bottom.Saucer 28mm H, 170mm W.Plate 22mm H, 200mm W.Given to Wordsworth by Sir George Howland Beaumont (1753-1827) and used by him 1816-1850. Given to the Library by Mrs J.M.E. Brownlow,…read more
  2. John Shelton Regulator c.1764

    John Shelton Regulator c.1764
    DescriptionJohn Shelton was a famous London clockmaker. He made five astronomical regulators for the Royal Society for timing the transits of Venus in 1761 and 1769. Regulators were accurate clocks used specifically for timing transit observations to the exact second.This regulator, in a veneered mahogany case, dates from c. 1764 and measures 1905 x 440 x 240 mm. The brass face measures 300…read more
  3. Miscellanea

    Miscellanea
    Arms of St John's College Cambridge in fabric Sewn in blue, white, red, gold, and green thread. 205 x 195mm. Clearly cut from a larger item, perhaps a pennant or flag. Given by Professor Richard Perham (Master 2004-7), Oct. 2007. Lower Library Artefacts Box. Autograph of Sir John Cheke (1514-57) On slip of paper, mounted in wooden, glazed frame, 122 x 47mm. The inscription, in a fine italic,…read more
  4. Medals, awards, plaques, and seals

    Medals, awards, plaques, and seals
    Allen, William Edgar. Two rectangular bronze plaques by I.L. Blanchot, 7.5cm x 5.8cm. 1. Obv. Bust of Allen, r., under which Wm Edgar ALLEN. 2. Obv. Picture of the Edgar Allen Library above which EDGAR ALLEN | LIBRARY, below SHEFFIELD UNIVERSITY, to the left GIBBS & FLOCKTON ARCHTS. Edge. OPENED BY H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES K.G. APRIL 26TH 1909.…read more
  5. The Materia Medica cabinet of William Heberden (1710-1801)

    The Materia Medica cabinet of William Heberden (1710-1801)
    Description William Heberden was a Fellow of St John's College and a noted physician who first identified angina pectoris. Between 1740 and 1748 he delivered an annual course of lectures at Cambridge on Materia Medica, a range of vegetable, animal, and mineral substances supposed to have some medicinal virtue. This cabinet contains the collection he formed to illustrate his lectures. Cole states…read more
  6. Coins

    Coins
    The College's collection of coins is housed at the Fitzwilliam Museum (see below). The following few items remain in the College Library.Contemporary forgery of Edward I pennySilver, 18mm, worn. Obv. Crowned bust of king, facing front Leg. EDWAR ANGL DNS HYB. Rev. Long cross, three pellets in each quarter Leg. CIVITAS LONDON.In envelope labelled '…read more
  7. Clothing

    Clothing
    St John's College Rugby cap and blazer c. 1890. Cap: black with vertical red stripes, badge of eagle and crown in gold thread. Blazer: black with vertical red stripes, three pockets, five buttons. These items belonged to Thomas Leonard Jackson (matric. 1889, BA 1892) who played for the College Rugby team throughout his undergraduate career and served as captain during the 1891-2 season. He also…read more
  8. Busts and masks

    Busts and masks
    Adams, John Couch (1819-92) Plaster bust by unknown sculptor. Upper Library. Marble bust by Albert Bruce Joy, c.1873. Given by Mrs Adams. Hall. Ascham, Roger (1515-68) Profile portrait carved in wood. Formerly one of a series from the walls of an old house in Southampton. Given by Henry Gaselee, 1904 (See CM696/8, 10 June 1904). Upper Library. Baily, John (1805-77) Marble bust by John Bailey,…read more
  9. Kennedy Memorial Trust

    Kennedy Memorial Trust
    The Kennedy Scholarship offers interesting opportunities for postgraduate study in the USA at Harvard University and MIT.Eligibility Criteria: Both newly graduated and those who have gained experience outside academia are welcome to apply.Award Offers:Full fees and health InsuranceTax free stipend of at least $26,000Generous contribution towards flightsAdditional travel grant of $2500Further…read more
  10. On Christmas Night - New Choir CD Released

    On Christmas Night - New Choir CD Released
    On Christmas Night – the Choir’s latest recording features traditional carols as well as a selection of Christmas choral music.Available from Monday 26 September online, from the Front Lodge or from the Choir Office at £10 each.read more
  11. What should I put in my personal statement?

    What should I put in my personal statement?
    We firmly believe that the personal statement is just that: personal. We therefore can’t be too prescriptive as to what you should or shouldn’t include, but you might want to tell us what has inspired you to apply for your chosen subject; why you think the Cambridge course is the right one for you; how you see yourself using your degree in the future. You might also want to tell us a bit about…read more
  12. Does John’s accept re-sits?

    Does John’s accept re-sits?
    We are happy for applicants to re-sit individual A-level modules, as long as this is done and the result included in their final A2 result.  Please note, however, that we do not accept re-takes or re-sits of final examinations.read more
  13. Can I study for a Joint Honours degree?

    Can I study for a Joint Honours degree?
    Not in Cambridge at present. However, it is possible to transfer from one Tripos to another with the approval of both Directors of Studies. Details can be found in the Cambridge Admissions Prospectus. At John’s you will be considered for admissions in the subject that you want to study when you first come to Cambridge.read more
  14. Can I apply for deferred entry?

    Can I apply for deferred entry?
    The College is pretty neutral with regard to Gap Years, and we really have no bias one way or the other (although some subjects, such as Maths, would expect you to do some revision before coming up to Cambridge to get back up to speed!). However, you should be aware that the College does need a firm commitment to a particular year of entry, and this has to be indicated on your Cambridge…read more
  15. Will you accept my combination of A-level subjects?

    Will you accept my combination of A-level subjects?
    If you have any doubt about the suitability of your A-level subjects for the subject you want to read, contact us. We’ll be able to answer your particular query.read more
  16. Dissertation Expenses

    Dissertation Expenses
    Grants equal to one half of the cost actually incurred in typing an Undergraduate dissertation or a dissertation for the MPhil degree will normally be met by the College.Current students should contact their Tutor for further information.Grants will not normally be made towards the cost of typing dissertations required in some departments as intermediate stages from PhD students, and will only…read more
  17. Bell, Abbott and Barnes Funds

    Bell, Abbott and Barnes Funds
    The Bell, Abbott and Barnes Funds help students in unforeseen financial difficulty. The funds provide short term grants to assist students while longer term plans are put in place. Further information, including eligibility criteria, is available at the link below.Students should not hesitate to contact their Tutor to discuss any matters of unforeseen financial difficulty.read more
  18. Can I spend just one year or part of a year at John’s?

    Can I spend just one year or part of a year at John’s?
    Unfortunately not. We don’t take what we call 'visiting' students, unless they come to us via an existing exchange scheme (such as those we have with Heidelberg, Caltech and MIT).read more
  19. Is it a disadvantage if several people from one school apply to the same College?

    Is it a disadvantage if several people from one school apply to the same College?
    Not at all, as all applicants are assessed on their own individual merits.read more
  20. Is it possible to make a visit to St John’s and meet with a Director of Studies?

    Is it possible to make a visit to St John’s and meet with a Director of Studies?
    You are more than welcome to come and have an informal look around St John’s at any time. If you make your way to the Admissions Office you can collect a printed tour leaflet and map that will help guide you around the grounds. Please tell the Custodian on the Gate that you are an Admissions visitor and the normal entrance fee will be waived. If you have specific questions, then you can chat…read more
  21. FAQs

    FAQs
    FAQs and links for Undergraduate admissionsread more
  22. Honorary Fellows of St John's College, Cambridge

    Distinguished for learning or public service
    The College Council may from time to time elect to an Honorary Fellowship any person distinguished for learning or public service. The following fifty individuals are our current Honorary Fellows (the year in parenthesis after each name is their election date).    read more
  23. Can the College cater for students with a disability?

    Can the College cater for students with a disability?
    Yes. Whilst selection is solely on the grounds of academic merit, we will be able to support a student with a disability more effectively if he/she discloses any disability or medical condition that affects his/her ability to study. We aim to plan support and provide reasonable adjustments as far in advance as possible for all disabled students.read more
  24. Do I have to be married to qualify for College accommodation for couples/families?

    Do I have to be married to qualify for College accommodation for couples/families?
    No, students with long-term partners and/or children are eligible to apply for this accommodation as well as married students.read more
  25. Will my accommodation requirements influence your decision on my application?

    Will my accommodation requirements influence your decision on my application?
    No. Applications are assessed on academic merit. We do not ask an applicant to submit his/her accommodation requirements until after an offer of a place at the College has been made.read more