Fondly known as “Emma” by its students and staff, Emmanuel was founded in 1584 by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to Elizabeth I, Sir Walter Mildmay. It was built on the site of a 13th-century Dominican priory, the monks’ chapel transformed into a dining hall and other buildings adapted into accommodation. It grew rapidly and was Cambridge University’s largest college by the 17th century, when elegant Classical Revival buildings were added, continuing into the 18th century.
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Opening hours are 9am-5pm (the College is accessible until 6pm, but the St Andrew’s Street gate is shut at 5pm and exit is only through the Porters’ Lodge.)