The Royal Commission on the University having in 1850 published evidence of the needs of science.
Established in 1871, at a time when Cambridge University was being reformed by Parliament, the Cavendish Laboratory initially met with stiff resistance from those who sought to maintain the prestige and reputation of the Mathematical Tripos.
Construction work began soon after and Cavendish Laboratory was formally opened on June 16, 1874. The laboratory became the site of the natural sciences practical examinations and starting with the Lent term of 1877, also became the site of the Elementary Experimental Lectures.
The Laboratory cost about £ 6,300 and the family name of Cavendish had been linked with science in the person of the great Henry Cavendish came forward and offered to bear the cost of the building.
The professorship was established in 1871.
The Cavendish Laboratory officially became a graduate school in 1895. Ernest Rutherford was among the first advanced students to arrive at the lab, soon to be followed by other of great talent, including a few guests from the United States.
History of Cavendish laboratory
