Antique Print, Fashion, Academic Robes, Pensioner,  Cambridge University, 1803

"A Pensioner "

Antique copper hand colored stipple copperplate engraving by John Whessel (1760-1797) after Richard Harraden (1756-1838) for Costumes of the University of Cambridge Drawn by R. Harraden.

Published by R.Harraden, Cambridge, Proprietor of the Views of Cambridge May 1 1803

Condition = Fair.  Hand coloured. Evidence of past mat presentation on edges of paper. Mild paper corrugation shown upper right side.

Size of Image 17.5 x 12.8cm (7 x 5.1 inches)

 A Pensioner  Academic Term From the French signifying “Boarder”

This term designate a student whose fortune enables him to defray his College expenses independently of any assistance from the College Endowments. A Pensioner is thus distinguished from those who are denominated “sizars”( an undergraduate at Cambridge University or at Trinity College, Dublin, receiving financial help from the college and formerly having certain menial duties).His academic Habit is a black gown, made of Prince’s Stuff (A closely-woven black woolen material, originally used for legal clothing), with Black Velvet Cape and facings. The cap is black cloth, with a silk tassel. The Pensioner of Trinity College are distinguished from all others by a blue gown with full sleeves, made of Prince’s Stuff. The Gown of the Pensioners at Peter House, Queen’s College Trinity Hall and King’s College, are nearly the same as Trinity, excepting they are all black.

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