Clare is famous for its chapel choir and for its gardens on the Backs (the rear of the colleges that overlook the River Cam).

In 1338, the college was refounded as 'Clare Hall' by an endowment from Elizabeth de Clare, a granddaughter of Edward I, which provided for twenty fellows and ten students.

[8] Clare's Old Court, a Grade I listed building, was built between 1638 and 1715,[7] with a long interruption for the English Civil War.

The period spans the arrival of classicism into the mainstream of British architecture, such that its progress can be traced in the marked differences between the oldest wing to the north, which still has vaulting and other features in the unbroken tradition of English Gothic architecture, and the final southern block, which shows a fully articulated classic style.

A number of apocryphal stories circulate concerning this – one cited by members of the college is that the original builder of the bridge was not paid the full amount for his work and so removed the segment to balance the difference in payment.

The new court, west of Queen's Road, was conceived as a memorial to the Clare men who lost their lives in the First World War.

The monumental arch which forms the entrance to the court accommodates a large bell and carries the names of Clare alumni who died in both world wars.

[13] It occupies the last piece of undeveloped land in the central area of the College next to Memorial Court and houses a lecture theatre, catering, fellows offices, residential accommodation and a student laundry.

[citation needed] The night is popular with students across the university and in the past it has hosted such acts as Tinie Tempah, Bombay Bicycle Club and Chase and Status.

[citation needed] However, the high quality of applicants means that many of them are awarded places at other colleges through the Winter Pool.