University of Edgestow

The University of Edgestow is a fictional university which appears in the novel "That Hideous Strength" by C. S. Lewis. It is a small collegiate institution, dating back to at least the 14th Century. It has four colleges:

* Bracton College
* Northumberland College
* Dukes College
* St. Elizabeth's College (the only ladies' college)

Some commentators have suggested that it may be based on Durham University, to which it bears certain similarities. However, Lewis denied any connection with Durham (a university of which he was fond) and close examination show the similarities to be superficial: Edgestow is a medieval foundation, a third "Oxbridge" university, while Durham was founded in the early 19th Century (though some of its buildings are indeed medieval). Bracton College (where much of the novel's story takes place) is a fellows-only institution, which was probably based on All Souls College, Oxford.

History

The University had an ancient history, lost in the mists of time. It suffered during the English Civil War, when Roundheads killed at least one Royalist don. After the Second World War, the British government established theNational Institute of Co-ordinated Experiments (N.I.C.E.), whichwas intended to bring to the problems of peace the same scientificorganization which had won the war. Bracton College was keen to persuade the N.I.C.E. to base itself in Edgestow, and succeeded in sellingthem a site including a large part of Bracton Wood - an actionwhich attracted some controversy. Extensive building works causedmore disruption than had been anticipated, and disorder led tothe appointment of Lord Feverstone, a leading N.I.C.E. official and fellow of Bracton College, as Emergency Commissioner.

At this point, a large part of the town, including the whole of Bracton College, was destroyed in a freaknatural disaster. The exact nature of this disaster remains unclear butit apparently involved a colossal earthquake. Remarkably, extraordinarynumbers of residents had left before this happened. LordFeverstone, however, died in the earthquake, as did all the leadingfigures of the NICE.

The Sub-warden of Bracton, Dr Curry, had a narrow escape from the disaster. As the only surviving fellow (aside from Mark Studdock, who was deemed to have resigned) anticipated becoming the new Warden of Bracton College and playing a key role in the rebuilding ofthe university. However, it is unknown whether any of these ambitions were actually fulfilled.