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Downing College Archives

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Downing College Archives

This page features images and extracts from the College's archive, highlighting aspects of the histo

10/09/2026

This unique College shield and griffin was handmade and painted by alum Leslie Audus (1929). It is currently on display in the Maitland Robinson Library Octagon with botanical drawings and other items from the recently donated Leslie Audus collection.

03/09/2026

A lovely new donation for the College Archive from the family of Dr Ken Bowles (1953) who rowed in the 1st Boat.

08/07/2026

A new archive exhibition in the Library Octagon features highlights from the recently donated Leslie Audus Collection, which includes botanical studies made in Malaya and Singapore in 1941 while Audus was serving with the RAF. The display also includes details of his subsequent time as a prisoner of war, when he secretly cultured yeast for use as a vital vitamin supplement in the camps.
Open to all (non-College members by appointment - [email protected]).
The full catalogue for the collection is available online: https://archivesearch.lib.cam.ac.uk/repositories/12/resources/17217.

25/03/2026

The latest Downing Arts podcast (https://downingarts.alitu.com) features the College Archivist talking about the early musical history of the College - from the social events hosted by Mary Frere in the 1830s to the 1893 visit by Tchaikovsky and other aspects of the history of the College. These are some of the items referred to during the podcast for anyone interested.

21/11/2025

Gorgeous blue sky over the Maitland Robinson Library today!

09/11/2025

On Remembrance Sunday, remembering all those from Downing College who lost their lives and served in conflict. A Roll of Honour display for the 54 men who died during the Second World War is currently in the rear lobby cases of the Maitland Robinson Library, with more detailed Roll of Honour profiles for the First and Second World War available online:

https://www.dow.cam.ac.uk/about/downing-college-archive/archives-college-history.

30/09/2025

The new archive exhibition on Downing and its members during the Second World War is now installed in the main foyer cases in the Maitland Robinson Library. Lovely to be able to share some personal memories of wartime students on life in College during and after the war, along with letters and photographs from the Archive. All welcome.

22/09/2025

Downing College was founded on this day 225 years ago. The College's Royal Charter was granted on 22 September 1800 by King George III and is preserved in the College Archive.
https://www.dow.cam.ac.uk/about/downing-college-archive/archives-college-history/225-years-foundation-downing-college.
The Charter will be on display in the Maitland Robinson Library on Alumni Day (27 September, 1.30-3.30pm) and this afternoon (12.45-2pm) for anyone in College wishing to see it.

17/09/2025

Edward Dixon Crew (1936), RAF Air Vice Marshal and Battle of Britain fighter pilot, has been honoured with a Blue Plaque in his home town, Higham Ferrars.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj4y292pq89o

Edward studied English and Archaeology and Anthropology and is pictured here in the 1938 Hockey photograph. He was credited with downing 15 enemy aircraft and 31 V1 “Doodlebug” flying bombs during the war.

05/09/2025

A new WW2 Roll of Honour display in the Rear Lobby of the Maitland Robinson Library features brief profiles and photographs commemorating the Downing members who lost their lives in the Second World War. Available to view by appointment and at the September Alumni Day.

More detailed profiles for each are linked from the online Roll of Honour. With thanks to John Hamblin and all those who shared images for this project.

https://www.dow.cam.ac.uk/about/downing-college-archive/archives-college-history/second-world-war-roll-honour

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Monday	9:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	9:30am - 2pm
Friday	9:30am - 4:30pm

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http://www.dow.cam.ac.uk/about/downing-college-archive

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