University Offices

University Combination Room

The University Combination Room provides club facilities for all University staff, their partners and guests. It can also be booked for private functions.

Morning coffee is served from 10 am, lunch from 12.30 to 2 pm, and afternoon tea from 3.30 to 5 pm. The room closes at 5.30 pm.

History of the University Combination Room

Set next to the Senate House in a quiet area of central Cambridge, the Combination Room was built from 1347 as part of the Divinity school. It was initially used for lectures, but as the university expanded and built other lecture schools it became the Regent House - the University's parliament, of which all academics are members and which has the final say on matters of policy. Since 1730, its meetings have been held in the larger Senate House building immediately to the east. The former Regent House is now one of the University's main state rooms and also a social facility for Regent House members.

The wooden roof is original, and some of the windows have glass with royal arms from the early 15th century. The east window replaced an original wall in 1754; the large carpet is one of the University's art treasures, having been made in about 1891 by William Morris for Philip Webb's house 'Clouds' in Wiltshire. There are also a number of weights and measures that the University hid to escape Cromwell's edict calling in all weights; King Richard II (1377-1399) had granted the University the right to inspect weights and measures in the borough, and this right was not given up until 1856. The elephant tusks visible on the left were given in 1924 by the heir apparent of Ethiopia, later Emperor Haile Selassie I.

Booking the University Combination Room

The University Combination Room may be booked for private functions and receptions outside the public opening hours by calling (01223) 337752.