Sidney Sussex College (often informally shortened to just Sidney) was founded in 1596 and named after its foundress, Lady Frances Sidney, Countess of Sussex. It is one of the Colleges that makes up the University of Cambridge. It was from its inception an avowedly Puritan foundation: some good and godlie moniment for the mainteynance of good learninge. Oliver Cromwell was among the first students (although his father got sick and he never graduated), and his head is now buried beneath the College's chapel.
The college is nicknamed "Sidney Sainsbury's" by neighbouring Cambridge students, due to its proximity to the Sidney Street branch of Sainsbury's, frequented by Cambridge students from all colleges thanks to its central location.
Academically speaking, Sidney Sussex performs well though not exceptionally when compared with the other Cambridge colleges (placing 14th out of 29 in the unofficial Tompkin's Table). However, the college has traditionally excelled in certain subjects, notably Engineering, History and Law. Sidney's sporting performance is equally unexceptional, although it does boast a strong women's football team and performs well at darts.
The college has been the home to one of the only a few student-run bars in Cambridge University, a source of much pride for Sidney students. Darwin College also has a student-run bar.
Sidney Sussex has a proud history in the television show University Challenge, putting together a winning team in both 1971 and 1978–79. The 1978 team, comprised of John Gilmore, John Adams, David Lidington, and Nick Graham, went on to win the "Champion of Champions" University Challenge Reunion competition in 2002.
Colleges of the University of Cambridge | Educational institutions established in the 1590s | 1596 establishments
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