It was founded by the British clergyman, educational reformer and writer Joseph Lloyd Brereton with the intention of connecting the county school system with the universities.

[2] The undergraduates were younger than was customary, and the cost of board and tuition, which was covered by an inclusive charge of eighty guineas a year,[3] was much lower than in the established colleges.

[4] The original buildings were constructed in the Gothic Revival style, using a combination of red Suffolk brick and Bath stone dressings.

[5] Though Brereton had published in 1874 an extensive plan of the proposed college, the buildings at the time of opening were significantly more spartan, lacking important facilities including a hall.

[2] Several years later, Cambridge architect William Wren designed additions to the eastern end of the college buildings in the Neo-Gothic style.