Cambridge University Catholic Chaplaincy - History - Foundation and Early Years (1871-1924)

Foundation and Early Years (1871-1924)

Oxford and Cambridge were forced to open their doors to Catholics in 1871 after the repeal of the Test Acts. However, the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith had decreed that it would be next-to-impossible for the ancient English universities to be frequented without mortal sin, stressing the dangers of an increasing atmosphere of liberalism and scepticism. This decision was met with public outcry from the wealthy laity, who wished for their sons to attend Oxbridge colleges. After a petition led by the Catholic Cambridge fellow Baron Anatole von Hügel, this ban was lifted in 1895 with the condition that a chaplaincy be established to provide teaching on philosophy, history and religion.

As a result of this, the Universities Catholic Education Board (later OCCEB) was founded and Fr Edmund Nolan was appointed chaplain. At the same time, the Fisher Society was founded by Cambridge students as a literary and debating society. Henry Fitzalan-Howard, 15th Duke of Norfolk purchased property in Cambridge and the chaplaincy was established there at St Edmund's House in November 1886. The very first lectures were given by Cuthbert Butler, OSB, entitled "Questions of the Day".

In 1899, CUCA was founded in order to purchase rooms for the chaplaincy at 2 Green Street. From here, the chaplaincy would then move to Llandaff House, near Downing College, under Monsignor Arthur Barnes. After a brief closure during the war, Fr Bernard Marshall became chaplain at 50 Bridge Street, and then 2 Round Church Street, next to the Union.