Downing College Cambridge

Downing is a College of the University of Cambridge and was founded in 1800 through a bequest made by Sir George Downing, 3rd Baronet, whose wealth was inherited from his grandfather after whom Downing Street is named. Sir George Downing 3rd died in 1749, leaving his estates to the next heir to the baronetcy, Sir Jacob Downing, and, if he died without heir, to three cousins in succession. Sir Jacob’s widow, however, refused to give up the estates and this led to a law suit that was finally settled in the College’s favour in 1800, when George III granted the College a Royal Charter. The College’s beautiful neo-classical buildings are set in spacious and peaceful gardens in the centre of Cambridge, close to many university departments. It is home to a lively and diverse scholarly community, including over 400 undergraduates, over 200 graduates and over 50 Fellows, supported by over 130 staff. Downing College’s notable alumni include: the scientists Sir John Pendry and Professor David Nutt; the former Astronomer Royal, Sir Francis Graham Smith; the lawyers, Lord Collins and the Rt Hon Sir Kim Lewison; Air Vice Marshall Sir Stuart Peach; the journalists Amol Rajan, Brian Redhead and Simon Wilson; the comedians and writers John Cleese and Andy Hamilton; the art historian, Martin Kemp; the novelists Howard Jacobson, Clive King, Timothy Parks and Derek Robinson; the screenwriter, Wolf Mankowitz; the artist, Sir Quentin Blake; the actor, Thandie Newton; the film directors, Michael Apted and the late Michael Winner; the theatre and film director, Sir Trevor Nunn; the politicians, Aitzaz Ahsan and the Rt Hon Lord Wallace QC; the sportsmen, Michael Atherton and Mark Cox; and the World Champion and Olympic silver medallist, Annie Vernon.