Girton and Newnham Colleges

In those early years, the women were often taught separately. To instruct Girton students, the lecturers had a considerable distance to travel with such lectures being given in the afternoon, as their classes at the University in Cambridge 

The publication of the Tripos results was the highlight of the year. In 1882, the success of Natural Science students in the examinations provided especial excitement The scene last year, when news was brought out that we had obtained three first classes in Natural Science, was a never-to-be-forgotten one the wildest excitement ensued, bells were set ringing, and many other frivolous things were done in the heat of our enthusiasm. 29 

Even in the early 20th century, the chaperone rules were enforced. The issue of modifying these rules arose in 1917, provoking a dispute between the traditionalists and moderate reformers  

We were discussing whether a Newnham student could be allowed to take an afternoon walk with an [male] undergraduate, and a senior member said, Well... yes. .. if she is engaged to him. To which a friend of mine on the committee replied that it seemed a heavy price to pay for a walk.30 

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After the great physicist Clerk Maxwell died in 1879, Lord Rayleigh became his successor at the Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge. During his professorship the classes increased in size, and women from Girton and Newnham colleges were for the first time admitted on the same terms as the men. Since he was allowed insufficient funds for the purchase of new apparatus, he contributed ,500 of his own money and solicited his friends for similar contributions until he had collected 1500 (3). 

Travels to France (26 March-16 April). Awarded Prix Femina for To the Lighthouse (April). Travels to Burgundy with Vita Sackville-West (24 September-i October). Publishes Orlando (ii October). Lectmes on Women and Fiction at Girton and Newnham colleges, Cambridge (October). 

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