Why does a quiet college off Trumpington Street hold the keys to centuries of British political power?

If King’s College represents royal display and Trinity represents vast wealth, Pembroke College represents pure, quiet influence. Founded way back in 1347 by Marie de St Pol (the Countess of Pembroke), it stands today as the third-oldest surviving college in Cambridge. The Countess established the college after her husband tragically died on their wedding day, creating a sanctuary for learning that would go on to shape the British Empire.

Despite its peaceful atmosphere, Pembroke has produced some of the most influential political and literary figures in British history, including prime ministers, revolutionary poets, and religious reformers. At We Are Cambridge, our student teams walk past these manicured gardens every single day. Here is your definitive, insider introduction to the history, architectural wonders, and hidden student traditions of Pembroke.

The Architecture: A Baroque Masterpiece and the Famous Crimson Ivy

You cannot talk about Pembroke without talking about its stunning architectural transitions, spanning from the 14th century to magnificent baroque designs.

• The Architect’s Debut: Standing proudly in First Court is the Pembroke College Chapel. Completed in 1665, this is the very first completed work of the legendary architect Sir Christopher Wren (who went on to design St Paul's Cathedral in London). His uncle, the Bishop of Ely, hired the young, unproven Wren to design a classical Roman-style chapel as a thank-you to the university after being released from prison.

• The Autumn Showstopper: Walk into Ivy Court and you will see the college's most photographed feature. The ancient brick walls are completely blanketed in a massive creep of ivy. During the autumn months, this ivy turns a brilliant, fiery crimson red, drawing photographers from all over the world.

• How to see it: Pembroke is located just south of the main tourist core, making it a peaceful escape. Make sure to check out our step-by-step entry tips on Visit Cambridge to check seasonal student exam closures before planning your walking route.

The Hidden History: The Youngest Prime Minister and Star Wars Connections

Pembroke’s historic archives are packed with stories of brilliance, political engineering, and a few eccentric modern connections.

• The Boy Wonder Politician: This is the academic home of William Pitt the Younger, who entered Pembroke in 1773 at the tender age of 14. He was so brilliant that he went on to become the youngest Prime Minister in British history at just 24 years old, navigating Britain through the chaotic Napoleonic Wars.

• The Missing Poet: Pembroke was the intellectual breeding ground for the famous romantic poet Edmund Spenser (author of The Faerie Queene) and Ted Hughes. Local student legend says that the ghost of Christopher Smart, an 18th-century Pembroke poet who famously used to pray on his knees in the college mud, still walks the gardens on misty nights.

• From Cambridge to Hollywood: In a fun modern twist, Pembroke is the alma mater of actor Tom Hiddleston (famous for playing Loki in the Marvel movies) and Naomie Harris (who played Moneypenny in the James Bond films).

The Student Vibe: The Secret Garden and "Pembroke Brunch"

What is it actually like to live behind these historic stone walls today? Pembroke students enjoy a warm, highly social community famous for its culinary reputation.

• The Legendary Sunday Brunch: Ask any student across the entire university where the best food in Cambridge is, and they will tell you Pembroke. The college buttery is legendary for its massive, high-quality Sunday Brunch. Lines of hungry students from rival colleges routinely stretch out the gate just to get a taste of Pembroke's famous hashbrowns and pastries.

• The Secret Orchard: Pembroke features the Bowling Green, one of the oldest manicured lawns in Europe. Tucked behind it is an enclosed, peaceful orchard packed with ancient fruit trees where students can escape the stress of exams to read under the shade.

How can you get the ultimate view of Cambridge’s Historic Core?

Because Pembroke sits perfectly positioned along Trumpington Street, its grand front structures connect seamlessly with the medieval heart of the town, leading straight down toward the river.

If you want to view the majestic riverside university lawns and glide smoothly past the historic backyards of the colleges after exploring Pembroke's courts, slide onto the water with us. Our standard Cambridge punting tours cruise right down the center of the River Cam, giving you a completely uninterrupted photo angle of the historic college backs. For groups or couples wanting an unhurried, personalized experience to capture the perfect lighting, booking a private punting tour lets you set your own relaxed pace on the water.

Prefer to explore Christopher Wren's chapel, Ivy Court, and the political secrets of Trumpington Street on foot? Let our passionate student guides show you the hidden doorways and share the real university gossip on a classic Cambridge walking tour. Or, if you want a deeply academic dive into the political legacies, wartime history, and architectural engineering of the university, join our exclusive Cambridge PhD tours.

No matter how you choose to explore, our team of real university researchers is ready to help you unlock the magic of Visit Cambridge.

No matter how you choose to explore, our team of real university researchers is ready to help you unlock the magic of Visit Cambridge.

Written by a Cambridge guide at We Are Oxbridge.

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