Pembroke christens 200-year-old new arrival

Formerly known as Botolph House, the building was bought by the College in 2007 from the Workers Educational Association.

The purchase was made possible through the generosity of alumnus Mr Christopher Adams (Pembroke, 1957), whose gift coincided with the property becoming available for sale. Since then, the building has undergone extensive refurbishment to make it ready for group teaching and individual supervisions, while preserving its original features.

In recognition of this landmark gift, the College renamed the building Chris Adams House and last Friday toasted its ‘birth’ in the company of several generations of the Adams family. Mr Adams himself cut a ribbon across the doorway and led the way into the building for a champagne reception.

The architect, major contractors, student representatives, future inhabitants and other College guests mingled and had the chance to tour this unique building from its cellars to its roof terraces.

Informally known as ‘the wonkiest building in Cambridge’, Chris Adams House occupies a fascinating position in the topography and history of both the city and the University.

Pembroke once owned ‘Botolph Island’ upon which it stands, but sold it in the 1530s for the princely sum of £35. The site was later owned by the Mayor and Corporation and by several private individuals; Number 17 Botolph Lane was commissioned in the 1790s, and for half of the twentieth century was owned by Gonville and Caius College.

Now, however, it forms a cornerstone of Pembroke’s provision for its students, Fellows and international academic programme, and allows an entirely fresh perspective on the College’s existing buildings.

Presenting Chris Adams with an etching of Pembroke’s main site in 2004 by renowned architectural engraver Andrew Ingamells, the Master Sir Richard Dearlove noted that he was not usually in the habit of giving presents that were out of date. However, the purchase of the building had rendered the etching obsolete, and all future depictions of the College would have to take account of the new acquisition.

Chris Adams House is an important component of the College’s drive to improve facilities and funding for academic posts and student support, under its current ‘Excellence in Perpetuity’ endowment campaign.

Mr Adams, who came up to Pembroke in 1957 to read Natural Sciences, acknowledged the part that the College had played in his life: “For me, going to Pembroke was a life-changing experience: for the first time, I was encouraged to ask questions, and to be sceptical.

These attitudes have served me well throughout my professional life. My emotional umbilical cord therefore remains firmly attached to Pembroke, and I am delighted to renew that link by helping the College at this important moment.”