The works have revealed fascinating glimpses into the past: remains of an old “doorway” to the river from the Fellows’ Garden and several sloping gaps in the wall that might have been garden drains or even part of a toilet system, draining more than just water into the river below.
Russell Waller, Head of Buildings and Services at the College, said “It’s a delicate balance; we need to strike a balance between stabilising the wall and retaining its appearance and character by re-using as many of the original bricks as possible and blending any new bricks that are required.
“Significant work to the wall has not been carried out in my memory, so this is a once in a generation event. It has been fascinating to discover the various interventions that have happened to the wall over the years, including what we believe to be drainage slots for either surface water drainage or possibly outfall from toilet blocks that were historically present on the inside of the wall. An archaeologist has carried out an inspection of the wall and we hope they might be able to offer suggestions for what these slots may have been for.”
The walls, and the terrace and garden behind, are important parts of the College enjoyed by students, Fellows and staff and viewed by thousands of tourists as they pass along Garret Hostel Lane or punt along the River Cam.
What most of the passersby won’t know is that parts of the wall used to have a very earthy use, as Trinity Hall Archivist and Records Manager, Alexandra Browne, explains:
“From the 1688 Loggan print, there is a smaller building to the right of the summer house that definitely could have been an outhouse. The 1731 plan of College shows little outhouse-looking structures along the terrace wall as well. You get an overhead perspective from that plan from which you can see those structures appear to have holes and overhang the river.”
The work has taken wildlife into account with existing cavities in the wall being retained so that birds like kingfishers can nest in them.
Punting has also been considered. The College punts have always been kept along the 44m wall but steps down to them were a little high over the water. Now the bottom step has been lowered, allowing students and visitors a less strenuous entry to the river.
The work is due to conclude before the end of Michaelmas Term (1 December).
