University of Edgestow
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The University of Edgestow is a fictional university which appears in the novel That Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis. It is a small collegiate institution, dating back to at least the 14th Century. It has four colleges:
- Bracton College
- Northumberland College
- Dukes College
- St. Elizabeth's College (the only ladies' college)
Some critics believe that it is based on Durham University, to which it bears certain similarities. This was, however, denied by Lewis himself. Bracton college (where much of the novel's story takes place) is a fellows-only institution, which was probably inspired by All Souls College, Oxford.
[edit] History
The University had an ancient history, lost in the mists of time. It suffered during the English Civil War, when Roundheads killed at least one Royalist don. Although superficially similar to Durham University, Edgestow is a medieval foundation and in fact a third Oxbridge university.
After the Second World War, the British government established the National Institute of Co-ordinated Experiments (N.I.C.E.), which was intended to bring to the problems of peace the same scientific organization which had won the war. Bracton College was keen to persuade the N.I.C.E. to base itself in Edgestow, and succeeded in selling them a site including a large part of Bracton Wood - an action which attracted some controversy. Extensive building works caused more disruption than had been anticipated, and disorder led to the appointment of Lord Feverstone, a leading N.I.C.E. official and fellow of Bracton College, as Emergency Commissioner.
At this point, a large part of the town was destroyed in a freak natural disaster, the exact nature of which remains unclear but apparently involving a colossal earthquake. Remarkably, extraordinary numbers of residents had left before this happened. Lord Feverstone, however, died in the earthquake, as did all the leading figures of the NICE.
The Sub-warden of Bracton, Dr Curry, had a narrow escape from the disaster. As the only surviving fellow (aside from Mark Studdock who had resigned shortly before, though afterwards re-elected) he became Warden of Bracton College and played a key role in the rebuilding of the university.
