Lucy Cavendish College Archive

Lucy Cavendish College was founded in 1965 for the specific advancement of women's education.

Its origins can be traced back to 1950 and the establishment of the Society of Women Members of the Regent House who are not Fellows of Colleges, or more informally known as 'The Dining Group'. The focus of the Dining Group was the increasing numbers of graduates, both research students and particularly senior members involved in teaching, who were not fellows of colleges and thus somewhat isolated from collegiate life. Increasing concern for these 'non-fellows' prompted Cambridge University to consider various initiatives from the mid-1950s onwards, culminating in a report published in 1963 recommending the establishment of new collegiate societies for graduates. In November 1964 the Dining Group applied to the University for recognition as the Lucy Cavendish Collegiate Society (LCCS) and was granted formal recognition as an 'Approved Society' in July 1965, a new category of institution established in 1964, which gave the University the power to recognise "institutions of a less formal and more experimental character than is implied by an Approved Foundation".

In 1971 the University amended its Statutes so that Approved Societies were no longer to be restricted to graduates only, and LCCS accepted its first undergraduates in October 1972. In 1984 the University approved the recognition of LCCS as an Approved Foundation, and thus a permanent institution within the University. Two years later the University gave consent for the Society to change its name to Lucy Cavendish College. Finally, in 1997, the College was granted a Royal Charter and became a fully self-governing college within the University.

Consists of records created by Lucy Cavendish College and those of the Dining Group.

These records reflect or illustrate the history of the College, and its internal administration (records which document its organisation, functions, policies, decisions and procedures). They are comprised of records created by the Governing Body, college committees, academic and administrative departments, and students. They include correspondence, minutes and papers, financial and administrative, and other textual records; photographs of students and fellows; photographs, maps and plans of properties and College site; audio recordings of College events and oral history.

The Archive also holds special collections of personal papers of former members and individuals who have been associated with the College. These papers include correspondence, academic or professional papers, and other textual records; photographs of self and family members.

Further accruals are expected.

The records are grouped into nine management groups reflecting either the creator of the records, (e.g. office or person), the form of the record (e.g. photographs), or the activities to which they relate (e.g. historical reference).

Please cite as University of Cambridge: Lucy Cavendish College, Lucy Cavendish College Archive, LCCA

C. Kate Bertram (1989) 'Lucy Cavendish College: A history of the early years'

Nigel Watson (2002) 'The Opportunity to be Myself: A history of Lucy Cavendish College'

Phyllis Hetzel (2004) 'Lucy Cavendish College - The Crucial Years 1979-1984: Reflections of Phyllis Hetzel, a Former President'.

A paper catalogue is available in the Archive reading room.

The original Guide to the Archives of Lucy Cavendish College was created by Joan Bullock-Anderson, College Archivist (1995-1997), with additional entries by Karen Davies, College Archivist (2000-date).