Passing through the Great Gate is a step into the history and heritage of Cambridge. Built in the early 16th century, the gate is a striking example of Tudor Gothic architecture and serves as the main point of entry to St John’s College’s beautiful courts and buildings.
The gate leads into First Court, where the college’s tranquil gardens and historic buildings immediately surround you. It is one of the most photographed spots in Cambridge, both for its architectural beauty and its symbolic role in university life.
The Historical Significance of the Great Gate
The Great Gate has been the main entrance to St John’s College for over 500 years and remains a symbol of the college’s long history and academic tradition. It is part of the college’s First Court, one of the earliest parts of the college to be constructed. The gate has witnessed centuries of student life and Cambridge’s evolving academic world, making it a landmark not only for St John’s but also for the wider university.
Architectural Features
The Great Gate is known for its red brick construction with stone detailing, typical of the Tudor style. Its most prominent feature is the imposing statue of St John the Evangelist, the college’s patron saint, placed in a niche above the arch. Beneath this statue is the coat of arms of the college’s founder, Lady Margaret Beaufort, the mother of King Henry VII, who founded St John’s College in 1511.
Above the archway, there are also decorative battlements and oriel windows, which add to the grandeur of the gate. The gatehouse’s crenellated towers enhance its fortress-like appearance, creating a sense of importance and history as you pass through.
How to Get There
To visit the Great Gate of St John’s College, head to St John’s Street, located in the heart of Cambridge’s city centre. The college is easily accessible on foot, by bicycle, or by local buses that stop nearby. The gate is a short walk from major landmarks like King’s Parade and Trinity College.
Visitors can enter the college through the Great Gate by purchasing a ticket at the college entrance, allowing access to explore the historic grounds.