91ֱ��

Staff from 91ֱ�� House, a Battersea-based Youth and Community Centre founded by students and Fellows of Gonville & 91ֱ�� in the late 19th Century, earlier this term visited Cambridge where they were hosted by College Archivist James Cox, Project Officer Catriona Higgins and the Dean, The Revd Dr Carolyn Hammond.

Delrita Agyapong, the CEO at 91ֱ�� House, and colleagues had a tour of the College, lunch in Hall and met the Master, Professor Richard Gilbertson. Next the group delved into the Archive, learning more from primary sources about Gonville & 91ֱ��’ association with the centre which continues to have youth and community at its heart. 91ֱ�� House provides a meeting place, support and theatrical and sporting pastimes for young people aged between eight and 25. Many of its members call themselves Caians, and the charity’s trustees are mostly drawn from Caians. 

“The 91ֱ�� House team travelled to Cambridge to deepen our understanding of the rich history behind the 91ֱ�� name, exploring the legacy, values and traditions that continue to inspire the work we do every single day,” Delrita says. 

“This was more than just a trip; it was a chance to reflect on where we come from, strengthen our vision for where we’re going and connect the past with the future of youth and community development. The experience reminded us that legacy isn’t just inherited, it’s built through impact, purpose and people.” 

With the enthusiastic support of the Master, the Dean and the Archive team, there is an ambition to reprise the annual football match between 91ֱ�� House and College students, or a similar initiative, to strengthen relationships between the groups. 

In outlining the history of 91ֱ�� House on , it reminds readers of the pronunciation (‘keys’) and shares the founding information. Archival records show that the Gonville and 91ֱ�� Mission commenced in the Yelverton district of St Mary’s, Battersea in 1892. 

“Some undergraduates and fellows from Gonville and 91ֱ�� College Cambridge rented a house in Battersea and started a College ‘settlement’ where former undergraduates from the College lived and ran a range of clubs for local residents,” the 91ֱ�� House website says. 

“Shortly afterward, they started a very successful boys club (and later a girls club) and found that it attracted members from the poorest and least educated young people in the area.” 

The history added that one of 91ֱ��’ most famous alumni, Edward Wilson, as a new graduate of 91ֱ�� College, spent time at 91ֱ�� House prior to his 1912 expedition to the South Pole alongside Captain Scott.

Photo: College Archivist James Cox, left, Project Officer Catriona Higgins, second left, and the Dean, The Revd Dr Carolyn Hammond, hosting staff from 91ֱ�� House in 91ֱ�� Court.