Formal Hall

 My college, Gonville & Caius, was founded in 1348, the fourth oldest at Cambridge, and retains numerous relics of that history. It also has lost a number of historical relics, including the founder's requirement that the college exclude any student who "is deformed, dumb, blind, lame, maimed, mutilated, or a Welshman".   It is interesting to note that no prohibition of Americans is necessary, as the New World had not been discovered at the founding of the college.

One of the historical relics to survive is Formal Hall.  Formal Hall is a peculiar combination of Hogwarts and Stern Dining. In order to attend Hall, one must wear their long black graduate gowns.  Everyone enters, and remains standing until the latin grace has been said.  Then everyone sits, and is served typical cafeteria food.  The contrast between the formalness of the environment and dress, and the institutionalized, rather ordinary food is remarkable.  Another odd juxtaposition are the portraits of famous Caians lining the walls and in the stained glass windows.  Stephen Hawking, Francis, Crick, John Venn, and countless other Nobel laureates are represented in what is essentially a cafeteria.  I was actually fortunate enough to dine with Stephen Hawking last tuesday, at formal hall.

Occaisionally there are special feasts, where the formalness is stepped up a bit, and the quality of food is increased dramatically. We had the matriculation dinner on thursday, which was one of these special occasions.  The event was black tie, and they served 5 courses, 4 different wines, all of which were excellent.  Truly there is a sense of history here unlike anything in the States.