Homerton College is named after the original Homerton Academy in the East End of London which was founded in 1768. Women were admitted to this college in the 1850’s. In 1894 the estate of Cavendish College was purchased and the college moved to Cambridge. John Horobin, the Principal, called an end to mixed education in 1896 and the college remained all-women for 80 years.
The Great Hall was built between 1876 and 1889. The architect was John Giles working for Joseph Lloyd Brereton, the master-mind behind Cavendish College. The tower was intended as one of a pair but by 1890 Cavendish College was in financial difficulties and there were not sufficient funds to complete the second tower. The Ibberson Building is a listed building. |