Founded in 1326 as a university hall by Richard de Badew. Refounded in 1338 as Clare Hall by Elizabeth de Clare. Became Clare College in 1856. Sister College – Oriel College Oxford. Men and women – 510 undergraduates, 300 postgraduates. Clare College is located just a little west of Cambridge city center and is one of the institutions that make up 'The Backs', a collection of magical colleges located on the banks of the beautiful River Cam, near the River Cam. Queen. It is the university's second oldest college, after Peterhouse, and educates 300 postgraduates and 510 undergraduates. The college, much like its next door neighbor, King's, has a reputation for being liberal and progressive with a clear and open admissions policy. It was one of the first Cambridge colleges to accept women in 1972 and the mix is ​​now equal. A pioneering policy to expand admissions has resulted in Clare now having more state-educated students (67%) among local independent members. Clare's student newspaper 'Clareification' has achieved cult status and recently won the 'Best Academic Paper' award despite criticism from its own master calling it 'an unholy cross between the Sun (tabloid) and Private Eye (satirical)'. Idyllic setting. “I didn’t know places like this really existed, I thought they were an invention of filmmakers,” exclaimed an English tourist as I took my photos. 'The Backs' is the most romantic and photographed part of Cambridge and Clare has the oldest current bridge spanning the peaceful river with its fleet of gently gliding rowboats. This stone bridge is adorned with fourteen balls, one of which has a missing edge – according to legend, an angry builder removed it because he was paid less than expected. A key figure in the education of orphaned bakers' sons, one such orphan was William Whitehead (1715-1785), who became Poet Laureate in 1757. Students at Clare benefit from a diverse and supportive community which promotes mutual respect - avoiding pretension at all levels. A full range of associations, sports clubs and artistic projects are offered to offer their members the opportunity to recharge their batteries. The college has a renowned musical society which offers substantial grants to gifted students, a debating society for those who like to argue and an investment fund, run by members keen to gain market experience stock market. Clare is looking for enthusiastic candidates who demonstrate a passion and commitment to their subject coupled with high academic ability and a capacity for hard work. A working class background is certainly not an obstacle!