School of Pythagoras

The School of Pythagoras is the oldest building in St John's College, Cambridge, and the oldest secular building in Cambridge, England.[1][2] It is a Grade I listed building.[3] To the north is Northampton Street.[4][5]

For school created by the ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician, see Pythagoras.
"Merton Hall" redirects here. For the house in Norfolk, see Merton Hall, Norfolk.

The School of Pythagoras
The School of Pythagoras in 1730, by Samuel and Nathaniel Buck

The School of Pythagoras was originally built around 1200, before even the University of Cambridge existed. It also predates St John's College, which was founded in 1511. It was initially a private house, but over the centuries it has had many uses. For a period it was a ruin. The reason for the name is unclear.

In the 16th century, a small manor house was added to its west side. This is known as Merton Hall. It is now used for graduate student accommodation. From 1266 until 1959 the School of Pythagoras and later Merton Hall were owned by Merton College, Oxford.[6]

The School of Pythagoras is now used as the College Archive Centre. Previously it was used as a theatre and the base for the St John's College Dramatic Society; Douglas Adams appeared there in a revue in 1972.[7]

See also

References
  1. Roach, J. P. C. (editor), The city of Cambridge: Manor houses, A History of the County of Cambridge and the Isle of Ely: Volume 3: The City and University of Cambridge (1959), pp. 122–123. URL:
  2. The Cripps Building, St John's College, Cambridge.
  3. Historic England. "School of Pythagoras (1126114)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  4. St John's College: Northampton Street: School of Pythagoras, Cambridge 2000.
  5. School of Pythagoras, Wikimapia.
  6. Martin, G.H (1997). A History of Merton College. Oxford University Press. pp. 17 and 342. ISBN 0-19-920183-8.
  7. Nick Webb, Wish You Were Here: The Official Biography of Douglas Adams. New York: Ballantine Books, 2005. ISBN 0-345-47650-6. Page 66.

52.2098°N 0.1134°E / 52.2098; 0.1134

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