King’s College

Envisioned by King Henry VI in 1441, the magnificent building of King’s College was established with grand plans to make it Cambridge’s preeminent institution. The monarch never got to see his dream realized. When the Wars of the Roses broke out, funding dried up, and—whoopsy he was deposed. But a succession of Henrys (namely VII and VIII) picked up his tab and completed the jewel of its chapel (though the name of the college recognizes just one founder—unlike its counterpart, Queens’ College, which is plural. More on that later).

King’s offers classes from ancient languages to cutting-edge science. But like rival Oxford, it leans into long-held distinctions among tiers of elite privilege, to an extent that baffles the uninitiated. If this sprawl of lawn inspired you to pack your picnic basket, you’ll be disappointed. As at Oxford, only Fellows may walk on its pristine grass.

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