Trinity College Cambridge c.1890
Trinity College 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These photographs are of a previously unpublished Victorian photograph album acquired at auction in Ely in 2026.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 Fountain, Great Court, Trinity College, Cambridge. MBHPC-002
Photograph 002
Reference: MBHPC-002
Title: The Fountain, Great Court, Trinity College, Cambridge.
Identification: Confirmed.
Confidence: 100%.
Date: c.1880–1910 (subject to refinement).
Description: View across Great Court towards the elaborate Gothic Revival fountain, with the smaller stone drinking fountain in the foreground and a gas lamp adjacent. The surrounding college ranges and chimney stacks form the backdrop.
View of the Fountain, Great Court, Trinity College, Cambridge. MBHPC-001
Photograph 001
Reference: MBHPC 001
Title: View of the Fountain, Great Court, Trinity College, Cambridge.
Identification: Confirmed
Confidence: 100%.
Location: Great Court, Trinity College, Cambridge.
Date: c.1880–1910 (subject to refinement).
Photographer: Unknown.
Photographic process: Albumen print (probable).
Description: This photograph shows the octagonal fountain situated in the centre of Great Court, Trinity College, Cambridge. The fountain is viewed against a backdrop of the college buildings, with numerous chimney stacks forming the skyline. The foreground consists of the open court leading towards the fountain.
Arcaded cloister, Nevile's Court, Trinity College, Cambridge (probable). MBHPC-027
Photograph 027
Reference: MBHPC-027
Title: Arcaded cloister, Nevile's Court, Trinity College, Cambridge (probable).
Identification: Probable cloister of Nevile's Court, Trinity College, Cambridge.
Confidence: Probable (75%)
Date: c.1880–1910 (subject to refinement).
Description: A view beneath a covered arcaded cloister, looking across the courtyard towards a range of classically detailed doorways and windows. Semi-circular arches supported by stone columns create a rhythmic architectural composition of light and shadow.
Notes: The architectural features closely resemble the cloisters of Nevile's Court, Trinity College, Cambridge, although the precise viewpoint has not yet been conclusively confirmed. The photograph forms part of a broader sequence of Trinity College and central Cambridge views contained within the album, strengthening the identification.
Identification should presently be regarded as probable pending comparison with historic photographs or inspection of the surviving architecture.
Steps to Trinity College Chapel, Cambridge. MBHPC-028
Photograph 028
Reference: MBHPC-028
Title: Steps to Trinity College Chapel, Cambridge.
Identification: Entrance to Trinity College Chapel, Trinity College, Cambridge.
Confidence: Confirmed (99%)
Location: Trinity College, Trinity Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire.
Date: c.1880–1910 (subject to refinement).
Photographer: Unknown.
Photographic Process: Gelatin silver print (probable).
Description: A view of the broad semicircular stone steps leading to the entrance of Trinity College Chapel. The Gothic doorway is framed by richly moulded stonework, with the chapel's projecting oriel window visible to the right. The composition emphasises the monumentality of the entrance and the craftsmanship of the college architecture.
Notes: This photograph depicts the principal entrance to Trinity College Chapel and forms part of a substantial sequence of Trinity College photographs within the album. The close correspondence between the historic image and the surviving architectural features, including the distinctive semicircular steps, doorway and projecting oriel window, confirms the identification.
Trinity College Bridge across the River Cam, Cambridge. MPHPC-036
Photograph 036
Reference: MBHPC-036
Title: Trinity College Bridge across the River Cam, Cambridge.
Identification: Trinity College Bridge, Trinity College, Cambridge.
Confidence: Confirmed (99%)
Location: Trinity College, The Backs, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire.
Date: c.1880–1910 (subject to refinement).
Photographer: Unknown.
Photographic Process: Gelatin silver print (probable).
Description: A tranquil view of Trinity College Bridge spanning the River Cam at The Backs, Cambridge. Numerous rowing boats are moored along the near bank beneath overhanging willow trees, while the bridge is reflected in the still water. Mature trees frame the scene, creating a characteristic riverside landscape associated with the college grounds.
Notes: This photograph depicts Trinity College Bridge at The Backs and forms part of the album's extensive sequence of Cambridge views, which includes Trinity College, King's College, the Senate House, Market Hill and other landmarks. The image captures the quiet beauty of the River Cam before the modern riverside environment, with traditional rowing boats moored along the bank beneath mature willow trees.
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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