History

It became an Approved Foundation of the University of Cambridge in 1984 and then in 1997 it was incorporated by Royal Charter, achieving full status as a College. The College is an autonomous, self-governing community of scholars and one of the 31 colleges within the University of Cambridge. The College is a registered charity (number 1137875) regulated by the Charity Commission and its registered office is Lucy Cavendish College, Lady Margaret Road, Cambridge CB3 0BU.

Originally an institution founded for mature women and which transformed their life chances and gave them professional careers, the College decided to open those opportunities to new groups of under-represented women of all ages (generally 18+) from October 2020 and from all ages and genders from September 2021, and to welcome and support particularly those who have a passion and commitment to address the global challenges that characterise our societies in the 21st Century.

The College provides, with the University, an education of the highest quality through small group teaching, academic supervision, library, computing and cultural facilities, meals and living accommodation and appropriate support for students in personal or financial need. Every student has a personal Tutor.

The College's Shield of Arms

Granted in 1974, and designed by C W Scott-Giles, Fitzalan Pursuivant of Arms Extraordinary, our College Arms combines a symbolic mix of items (three lights, two shells, a waterlily and a buck's head), each one representing an important aspect of our College's history.

The black scallop shell is taken from the Lyttleton family crest, the maiden name of Lady Lucy Cavendish.

The waterlily, growing from black Fenland soil and set against wavy lines - symbolising the River Cam - illustrates the growth of a new College.

The pearly nautilus shell represents the research work of founding President Anna Bidder. It also evokes the spirit of adventure and scientific exploration, as a creature 'voyaging through strange seas of thoughts alone'.

The gold stars are symbols of life and also refer to the name Lucy.

The silver stag's head taken from the Cavendish family crest, with permission granted by the 11th Duke of Devonshire, represents Lady Lucy Cavendish, after whom our College is named.

Per fess enarched azure and sable, in chief two bars wavy argent, over all issuant from the fess line a water lily also argent slipped and leaved vert, and in base a buck's head caboshed, between the attires a lozenge argent charged with an escallop sable.