Harvard University

The first English immigrants to settle in Boston arrived in 1629 and just seven years later, a college was founded in the city. But it was thanks to a Cambridge graduate that the place grew to become one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

John Harvard was born and raised in south London and studied at Emmanuel College, gaining his degree when he was just 20. Ten years later, he emigrated to Charlestown in Boston, following in the footsteps of many of his classmates, but after just 16 months working as a clergyman he contracted tuberculosis and died. His name lives on to this day, thanks to his donation of 400 books and around £800. In today’s money, that would be about £75,000 or $140,000. And that was enough to set Harvard on its way.

But there were to be none of the dreaming spires of Cambridge and Oxford for this new university. Instead, more functional, red brick buildings, still with a beauty of their own, emerged over time around Harvard Yard, which today, is home to 13 of the 17 freshman colleges at the University. As you walk 'round the yard, you can’t help but think what a great place this must be to spend your first year at college. I was fortunate to live on a campus university in my first year away from home, but nothing as beautiful and historic as this.

Today, the oldest of those buildings is Massachusetts Hall, dating from 1720, which was designed as a residence for students. Although some lucky freshmen are still housed on the upper floors, the first three floors now house offices of the President of the University, its Provost, Treasurer and Vice Presidents.

The Hall’s colorful history also saw it housing 640 American soldiers during the siege of Boston, and it isn’t the only hall at Harvard Yard to have military connections. Just a few steps away, Hollis Hall was used as a barracks by George Washington’s troops during the American Revolution.

Of course, the colorful history of Harvard continues to this day. We were fortunate enough to be shown around by a friend of mine, who’s a professor there, and he shared one or two tales about what the students get up to. Perhaps the most common pranks involve the John Harvard statue. Commemorating the man who started the university, he sits overlooking Harvard Yard, but often finds himself with some additional decorations, such as leis. Tradition suggests that if visitors to Harvard rub one of the feet of the statue it will bring them good luck, and that’s exactly what many do. Let’s just say, from what I heard from my professor friend, it may not be a good idea.

Other superb buildings worth a visit in Harvard Yard include the Memorial Church. If you think it looks familiar at first glance, there’s a good reason for that - it copies earlier styles, and its steeple is based on the Old North Church in Boston’s North End.