Stay up to date with the latest from Magdalene, including College announcements, academic achievements, alumni updates, feature articles, and highlights from recent events.
Library and Archives
Mary Astell Announcement
Magdalene College’s Old Library unveiled a collection of Mary Astell’s personal library on International Women’s Day 2021. This discovery is now catalogued for research on ‘idiscover’.
Discovery reveals a science student way ahead of her time
Magdalene College has uncovered 47 books and pamphlets owned by Mary Astell (1666–1731), considered the first English feminist. Her handwritten notes reveal her engagement with natural philosophy.
Magdalene Alumni recognised in 2021 New Year Honours
The College congratulates our Members recognised in the 2021 New Year Honours: Dr Edgar Feuchtwanger, Mr Brian Gilchrist, Mr Martin Frobisher, Dr Peter Abbott, and Miss Emily Penn.
The Pepys Library’s rare Dutch publications have been added to the STCN, a retrospective bibliography, enhancing scholars' access to these 17th-century items linked to Pepys's interests.
The digital handlist of Peter Peckard’s 1798 bequest to Magdalene College’s Old Library offers insights into his library’s content, organization, and the circulation of books for further research.
Magdalene student Niamh Bridson Hubbard (2016) has been named Osprey of the Year. The Ospreys raise the profile of women’s sport at Cambridge. Read her interview with the Blue Bird below.
The College is deeply saddened to announce the death of Dr Richard Luckett, Emeritus Fellow, former Pepys Librarian, and University Lecturer in Seventeenth-Century Literature, on 19 November 2020, aged 75.
The College is deeply saddened to announce the death of Professor John Field at 84. He served as Joint Director of Studies in Natural Sciences and supported generations of Magdalene students.
Magdalene’s new Master, a former student and long-serving Fellow, returns with pride. He pays tribute to Rowan Williams’ leadership and celebrates the College’s continued momentum and spirit.
The College Magazine is the annual record of Magdalene life. The 2019–20 edition is digital-only and features events and articles from Members reflecting on the past academic year.
Rowan Williams, Master of Magdalene 2012–2020, brought a unique voice to the College, championing its values with warmth, clarity, and thoughtful public engagement.