"Corpus Christi" or more fully: 

The College of Corpus Christi and of the Blessed Virgin Mary

(If it's in red and underlined then it's a link to more information)

is part of Cambridge University.  Without going too fully into the history of the College it was at one time called Bene't College (pronounced "Bennet" - being short for Benedict) but in the early 1820's at a time the New Court was being built, the name reverted by stages of "Corpus Christi College/Commonly called Bene't College until 1826 when the use of Bene't College was finally dropped.

John  Fynn was Head Porter at Corpus Christi College from 1804 to 1848.

Strictly he was 'Porter' until later when he was allowed an under-porter.  His tasks were numerous as an extract from the "History of CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE, Cambridge 1822-1952" By Patrick Bury. (Pub: The Boydell Press) reveals. See History Page 25. There is further mention of both John and his son Thomas in the book.

For more detail about Patrick Bury's book and to be able to order a copy on-line click on Boydell Press.

The entrance to Corpus Christi College from King's Parade to the Old Court of the college would have been where John Fynn would have had his Porter's Lodge when he first started. The entrance now appears to be a car park.   Click on the picture to enlarge it - use the "Back"  button to return.

During his time at Corpus Christi New Court was built. The new Porter's Lodge was/is in the entrance off King's Parade and can be seen in the watercolour of New Court by Harraden in 1937 and the present day view of St Botolph's church.   Click on the picture to enlarge it - use the "Back"  button to return.

The Fynn name (or mark) appears on a large number pieces of the silver belonging to Corpus Christi College much of which has been in daily use by the undergraduates until relatively recently. For more information on the silver and the 'graffiti' click on: College Silver.

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Page last updated 1st June 2010