England Guide
East Anglia
Magdalene College
Opening time: College: no set opening hours; Pepys Library: Oct, Nov & mid-Jan to mid-March Mon– Sat 2.30–3.30pm; late April to Aug Mon– Sat 11.30am–12.30pm & 2.30–3.30pm
Price: Free
Address: Magdalene Street
Telephone: 01223/332 100
Website: www.magd.cam.ac.uk
Magdalene College – pronounced "maudlin" – was founded as a hostel by the Benedictines and became a university college in 1542; it was the last of the colleges to admit women, finally succumbing in 1988. The main focus of attention is the Pepys Library, in the second of the college's ancient courtyards. Samuel Pepys, a Magdalene student, bequeathed his entire library to the college, where it has been displayed ever since in its original red-oak bookshelves. His famous diary also resides here.