University of Cambridge

Founded 1209. 31 colleges, Newton's alma mater, over 100 Nobel affiliates.

Overview

Cambridge began with scholars fleeing Oxford town-gown violence in 1209 and organized into colleges soon after. Trinity College claims Newton, Byron, and 34 Nobel laureates by some counts; the Cavendish Laboratory produced the electron, DNA structure, and pulsars in one building lineage. Stephen Hawking held the Lucasian chair, once Newton's. The college boat race against Oxford began 1829 and the May Balls still run. Cambridge affiliates exceed 100 Nobel laureates, second worldwide. The Fitzwilliam and Mathematical Bridge belong as much to visitors as students.