New archive facility

The School of Pythagoras is about to undergo a transformation which will convert it into the new home for the College’s magnificent and extensive archives.

Built c.1200, the School of Pythagoras is the oldest building on the College site. Although originally a private house the building has had many uses over time. Students will remember the building hosting the ‘Welcome Centre’ – the first port of call for Freshers arriving at the College. The upper level has also been used as a rehearsal and performance area by the College’s performing arts society – the Lady Margaret Players.

The College Archives have accumulated since the foundation of the College in 1511. Alongside the administrative records of St John's across five centuries they also contain documents pre-dating the College, including records of the Cambridge Hospital of St John from the thirteenth-century and the household accounts of the Foundress, Lady Margaret Beaufort.

The new archive facility is expected to open in 2014.

More information about the School of Pythagoras and the College Archives can be found on the links below.