211075 Downing Record 07 - Downing College - University of ...

The front cover of this issue reflects the important milestone passed by theCollege this year, the 200th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone.It shows a facsimile of the inscribed plate which was placed on the foundationstone in an elaborate ceremony on 18th May 1807 described in an article inthis issue by Dr David Pratt, Fellow Archivist of the College.The Latin inscription readsDowning College in the University of Cambridge was ordained by thewill of George Downing of Gamlingay, baronet in the same county, whofurnished her munificently with wealth in the year of salvation 1717.At length the College was established under royal charter by the bestruler George III in the year 1800. These foundations of the buildingwere laid on 18th May 1807 by the Master, Professors and Fellows,appointed by royal command, that it might proceed successfully with aview to the cultivation of religion, and the knowledge of English law andmedicine, and in promoting the right instruction of free-born youth.Photograph of the plaque kindly arranged by Sarah Westwood, Downing College Archivist.Photo by Neville Taylor of University of Cambridge Photography & Illustration Service.Designed and printed by Cambridge University Press.www.cambridge.org/printing