The Senate House Cambridge c.1890
The Senate House Cambridge c.1890 MBHPC
The Senate House Cambridge c.1890.
These photographs are of a previously unpublished Victorian photograph album acquired at auction in Ely in 2026. It is one of a series documenting Cambridge and locations throughout Cambridgeshire.
You can the full album by clicking HERE.
The Senate House during a University degree ceremony, Cambridge MBHPC-015
Photograph 015
Reference: MBHPC-015
Title: The Senate House during a University degree ceremony, Cambridge.
Identification: The Senate House, Cambridge.
Confidence: 100%.
Location: Senate House, Senate House Passage, Cambridge.
Date: c.1880–1910 (subject to refinement).
Photographer: Unknown.
Photographic process: Albumen print (probable).
Description: The west elevation of the Senate House is shown during what appears to be a University congregation or degree ceremony. Groups of graduates and visitors stand outside the building, while temporary signs have been erected beside the entrance steps to control admission.
Notes: This photograph captures a moment during a ceremonial occasion rather than simply recording the architecture. The temporary signage and gathering of people provide valuable evidence of how University ceremonies were managed during the late Victorian period. This could potentially be a picture from the 1897 Cambridge vote for women degrees. One of the sign reads: ‘Entrance Voters Non Placet’.
Interior of the Senate House during a University congregation, Cambridge. MBHPC-016
Photograph 016
Reference: MBHPC-016
Title: Interior of the Senate House during a University congregation, Cambridge.
Identification: Interior of the Senate House, Cambridge.
Confidence: 98%.
Location: Senate House, Cambridge.
Date: c.1880–1910 (subject to refinement).
Photographer: Unknown.
Photographic process: Albumen print (probable).
Description: The interior of the Senate House during a University congregation or degree ceremony. University officials wearing academic dress occupy the dais, while paperwork is arranged on the central table. The large sash windows and classical panelling of the Senate House are clearly visible.
Notes: This is a particularly valuable image because comparatively few Victorian photographs show the interior of the Senate House in use during official proceedings. Together with MBHPC-015, it documents both the exterior arrival of attendees and the formal business taking place inside.
Part of the Michelle Bullivant Victorian Photograph Collection (MBHPC), comprising previously unpublished photographs from a Victorian album purchased at auction in Ely in 2026.
© Michelle Bullivant. Image from the Victorian Photograph Album Collection. Please contact the author before reproducing.
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