Hughes Hall, Cambridge

Book excerpt: Lavishly illustrated and beautifully produced, this book offers an affectionate and engaging narrative of Hughes Hall's remarkable story of achievement, tracing the history of the oldest graduate college in Cambridge back to its modest foundation in 1885 as the Cambridge Training College for Women Teachers. Ged Martin's comprehensive account recreates the chaotic first year, and traces the energetic improvisation that made an impressive reality out of the novel idea that teachers should be trained before entering the classroom. Alongside new and archival images, the story of Hughes Hall is brought fully up-to-date, including the College's gaining full membership of the University in 2006 in time to celebrate its 125th anniversary. This book will be a wonderful memento for both past and present students and staff of Hughes Hall, who have had the chance to experience the College's very special version of the Cambridge experience.