A Classical Adventure: The Architectural History of Downing College, Cambridge

Founded in 1800, through the will of Sir George Downing, 3rd Baronet, Downing College was the first major scheme in England to be built in the neo-classical Greek Revival style and the first college to be built in Cambridge for more than two hundred years. The architect William Wilkins won the commission to design the college, but owing to a protracted legal battle instigated by the last Lady Downing, Wilkins' concept was never fully accomplished. Rawle's book tells the story from the earliest beginnings of the college to the present day and shows how it has been able to remain committed to the neo-classical tradition in most of the later buildings erected, such as the Senior Combination Room by Howell, Killick, Partridge & Amis or the Howard Theatre by Quinlan and Francis Terry.

"Often overlooked by tourists and 'tucked away' from its more famous counterparts, Cambridge's only classical college has been brought into the spotlight, in a new book by a former student," wrote the Cambridge News.[2] The specialist press praised the book for the quality of the photography and the worthiness of the text. A “beautifully-illustrated and well-researched architectural history of Downing College,” declared The Georgian; "an essential read," asserted Historic House.[3]

• Book's official web page