School of Pythagoras

School of Pythagoras
The School of Pythagoras.

The School of Pythagoras is the oldest building in St John's College, Cambridge, and the oldest secular building in Cambridge, England.[1][2] To the north is Northampton Street.[3][4]

The School of Pythagoras was originally built around 1200, before even the University of Cambridge existed. It also predates St John's College, which was founded in 1511. It was initially a private house, but over the centuries it has had many uses. For a period it was a ruin. The reason for the name is unclear.

In the 16th century, a small manor house was added to its west side. This is now used for graduate student accommodation. It is known as Merton Hall. From 1266 until 1959 the School of Pythagoras and later Merton Hall were owned by Merton College, Oxford.[5]

The School of Pythagoras is now used as a theatre and is the base for the St John's College Dramatic Society. Douglas Adams appeared there in a revue in 1972.[6]

See also

  • St Bene't's Church, the oldest building in Cambridge, dating from 1033
  • Leper Chapel, dating from 1125
  • Holy Sepulchre, Cambridge or Round Church, dating from 1130

References

  1. ^ Roach, J. P. C. (editor), The city of Cambridge: Manor houses, A History of the County of Cambridge and the Isle of Ely: Volume 3: The City and University of Cambridge (1959), pp. 122–123. URL:
  2. ^ The Cripps Building, St John's College, Cambridge.
  3. ^ St John's College: Northampton Street: School of Pythagoras, Cambridge 2000.
  4. ^ School of Pythagoras, Wikimapia.
  5. ^ Martin, G.H (1997). A History of Merton College. Oxford University Press. pp. 17 and 342. ISBN 0-19-920183-8. 
  6. ^ Nick Webb, Wish You Were Here: The Official Biography of Douglas Adams. New York: Ballantine Books, 2005. ISBN 0-345-47650-6. Page 66.

Coordinates: 52°12′35″N 0°06′48″E / 52.2098°N 0.1134°E / 52.2098; 0.1134

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