1871 Newnham College founded

Newnham College had its beginning's in the movement to improve the education of women, but Henry Sidgwick had very different different views on how this should be achieved than did Miss Davies. Unlike Miss Davies, he felt that the women should be physically located in Cambrdige. And unlike Miss Davies, he felt that they should not follow standard University courses and take University examinations.

Special lectures for women started in Cambridge in 1870. In the autumn of 1871 a small house of reisidence was opened at 71 Regent Street. Orginally there was Miss Anne Jemima Clough, the first Principal of what was to become Newnham College, and 5 students. The women later moved to Merton Hall and adjacent houses in Bateman Street as their numbers increased.

The present site was purchased by a non-profit-making company formed by the Cambridge Association for Promoting Women's Lectures. At the time it was very isolated from the City, and did not yet have Selwyn College as a neighbour. The Old Hall was built, and was first occupied in 1875 by the Principal and 27 students.

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