Cambridge Union Society

The Cambridge Union Society, commonly referred to simply as the Cambridge Union, is the largest student society at the University of Cambridge and one of the oldest in the world. Additionally, the Cambridge Union served as a model for the subsequent foundation of similar societies at several other prominent universities including the Oxford Union and the Yale Political Union.

Related Topics:
University of Cambridge - Oxford Union - Yale Political Union

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The Cambridge Union was founded on February 13th, 1815 as a union of three debating societies and quickly rose to prominence in University life. Early officers have included the historian and essayist, Thomas Babington Macaulay and many subsequent Presidents and officers have gone on to become influential leaders in a wide variety of fields and professions. The Union has always served as a pinnacle of free speech and open debate and was even temporarily shut down by the University in its early years for being too contentious! After nearly 200 years, the Cambridge Union is still best known for its debates which often receive national or international media attention. However, it also organises lectures by visiting speakers, film evenings and other social events for its members. The top members of its debating team compete internationally against other top debating societies, and Cambridge regularly fields one of the most successful teams at the World Universities Debating Championships.

Related Topics:
February 13 - 1815 - Thomas Babington Macaulay - Debate - World Universities Debating Championships

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Its current Bridge Street premises ({{coor dms|52|12|31|N|0|07|10|E|}}) were designed by Alfred Waterhouse and formally opened on October 30th, 1866, although they have undergone several developments since then. The future radical Liberal politician, Sir Charles Dilke, was the President largely responsible for construction.

Related Topics:
Alfred Waterhouse - October 30th - 1866 - Sir Charles Dilke

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The Cambridge Union is sometimes confused with the Cambridge University Students' Union, the representative body for undergraduate students set up much more recently in 1971. Similarly, the term 'President of the Union' is also occasionally misused, for example, in reference to Charles Clarke, a former president of the students' union. http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/news/s/22/22566_the_bruiser_in_a_hotseat.html

Related Topics:
Cambridge University Students' Union - 1971 - Charles Clarke

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