Physwick Hostel, Cambridge

Members of the hostel and main hall were able to use these for pleasure or in sickness during recurrences of the Black Death in England.

[4][6] Physwick was far more populous than the main college Caius, usually between thirty and forty in number,[7] but at one point over 80 commoner members at once,[4] although it did not breed distinguished theologians, bishops and dignitaries.

[6] It did however maintain a reputation for many years, educating many eminent and learned men, some of whom were summoned to fill honourable positions in the parent college, others to hold offices of state.

[7] Physwick hostel features in several of Susanna Gregory's Matthew Bartholomew series books.

[1] In 1546 Physwick and St Margaret's were merged into the new Trinity College by Henry VIII along with Michaelhouse, King’s Hall and five other hostels: Gregory’s, Ovyng’s, Catherine’s, Garratt, and Tyler’s.