October 2024 - March 2025

In December of 1983, the College statutes were changed to formally permit the admission of women to Peterhouse. In Michaelmas Term 1984 the first postgraduate women joined the College, with undergraduate women joining from Michaelmas Term 1985. The difference of a year between them was down to a rather mundane and practical reason: the change came too late to be implemented into the undergraduate prospectus until the following year.

As part of the celebrations marking 40 years of women at Peterhouse, the Library & Archives team curated an exhibition exploring the history of women at Peterhouse from the foundation up to the present day.

The exhibition is mounted in the display cases at the far end of the reading room and in the flat display case in the Front Hall. On the shelves near the library front desk you will also find a diverse display of books by or about women Petreans; these books are available to borrow to current members.

For those who would like to view the exhibition but do not have access to the Ward Library, please contact library@pet.cam.ac.uk.

Alumni Reception for the Women at Peterhouse Exhibition – Saturday 14 December 2024

There was an exclusive alumni event in the Ward Library on the afternoon of Saturday 14 December where alumni and many Fellows were given an exclusive look at the exhibition marking 40 years of women at Peterhouse. Additional items were on display for this event only, and attendees enjoyed speaking with the Library and Archives team over drinks and nibbles, learning more about the important role that women have played in the history of the College, right from its foundation. Find out more at: Exhibitions and Library News | Peterhouse