Pembroke College: The First 400 Years is launched in Oxford and London

In celebration of the College’s 400th anniversary which we mark this year, we have released a new College history book documenting the four centuries leading to this milestone. Edited by Gregory Neale, an alumnus of the College himself, Pembroke College: The First 400 Years tracks Pembroke’s history from its roots in Broadgates Hall to the lively and diverse College we know and love today.

November saw two events take place to launch the book in Oxford and London. Appropriately, the former was held in Broadgates Hall, the remainder of its namesake, and the oldest part of the College, while the latter took place in the London Library, a reminder of the academic history we have contributed to over the past four centuries.

Around 200 students, fellows, staff and alumni were in attendance across the two launches, and were joined by contributors to the book as well as former Masters of the College. Over the course of both evenings, guests were given the opportunity to leaf through copies of the book and enjoy a glass of our 1624 sparkling wine, with those at the Oxford launch also able to browse documents and artefacts from the Pembroke Archives. One notable document on display was the original College Charter, whose signing by King James I on 29 June 1624 marks the anniversary date we will celebrate later this year.

Following a few words from the Master, editor Gregory Neale gave an address at both events, discussing the process of writing the book, as well as the impact of his own time at Pembroke. Key contributors to the book, many of whom were in attendance, were thanked as part of the speeches.

It was a pleasure to welcome so many alumni and members of the wider College community to these launches, and a fitting way to begin celebrations for the upcoming year by looking back at the history that brings us to this remarkable milestone.

If you’re interested in learning more about the book, or would like to purchase a copy, click here.