The Spinning House

The untold story of how Cambridge University locked up women in their own private prison - and how the town fought to free them.

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“Biggs deftly blends historical research with creative retelling, bringing prison records to full and chilling life.” - The New Statesman

Cambridge University is renowned worldwide for its academic prowess, but below the surface lurks a murky past. During the nineteenth century, the university became infamous for its dogged determination to cling to ancient laws allowing it to arrest and imprison unchaperoned women found walking the streets of Cambridge after dark.

Mistakes were made. Violence and legal action followed until finally an Act of Parliament put an end to the university’s jurisdiction over the women of Cambridge.