New Court, St John's College. Cambridge.

The 19th century Neo Gothic New Court is on the west side of the river Cam. Designed by Rickman and Hutchinson, it was built in 1826-31, to accommodate the ever growing number of students. It is four storeys high, has battlements and is pinnacled. It's flamboyant design has led it to be nicknamed 'The Wedding Cake'. Hutchinson was proud of his creation and it is said he once dashed up a staircase to reprimand a student for spoiling the symmetry by sitting too near one of the windows. Another interesting fact is that the Fellows of St John's College, are the only people apart from the Royal Family who are allowed to eat a certain breed of unmarked swans. There are swan traps set in the college walls by the river, which are not used these days. I would like to try and find one, unless they are blocked up. I have blipped part of this building before in the winter of 2012.