Confraternitas Historica
The Confraternitas Historica, or Confraternitas Historica Dominae Franciscae Comitis Sussexiae, is the history society of Sidney Sussex College, and is reputed to be the longest-running student history society in Cambridge University, with uninterrupted activity dating back to 1908.
The Society places a strong emphasis on student participation, and was conceived as a forum which would allow history Fellows and students of the College to socialise in an informal environment. This ethos can be observed in many of the founding articles of the society, where a strong emphasis is placed on regular dinners and historical talks and debates. Membership is open to all Sidney history students, both undergraduate and graduate. No joining-fee or subscription is required, and students are automatically enrolled on matriculation. Membership is entirely voluntary and life-long.
Activities
The Confrat. years begins on an informal basis, with student members taking freshers out for a meal and drinks (usually within the first week of their arrival at Cambridge). This is usually followed by a reception hosted by the College Fellows, something repeated at the end of Easter term.
The society meets on a fortnightly basis in Michaelmas and Lent terms, with meetings suspended during Easter term in order to allow members to prepare for Tripos. Meetings begin with informal pre-prandial drinks, followed by dinner in Hall. After this, the society repairs to the Old Library where a guest speaker delivers a short talk on a topic of their choosing. This is usually followed by a short discussion in which members are free to ask questions and continue their conversations over drinks.
The society also hosts a formal, annual dinner, in which two guest speakers are invited and where student members in particular pay thanks to their supervisors. The Pontifex proposes a toast to the Lady Frances Sidney, to which one guest replies, whilst the Princeps toasts the Lady Clio, to which the Guest of Honour replies.
Structure
The founding scroll of the Confrat makes reference to four office-holders; Princeps Senatus, Magister, Pontifex Maximus and Ceremonius. The term for each office lasts for one acadamic year.
Princeps Senatus: is the head of the society. They are responsible for organising dinners, arranging speakers and the overall hosting of Confrat events.
Pontifex Maximus: acts as a general assistant to Princeps.
Ceremonius: has responsibility for the logistics and administration of the society. The position is seen by many to be the back bone of the society.
Magister: acts as a general assistant to the Princeps and assumes that office at the end of the incumbent's term. They are responsible for taking minutes at meetings of the society.
Princeps
- Jonny Allard 2006-present
- Mike Armstrong 2005-2006
- Tom Hopkins 2004-2005
- Carl Swift 2003-2004
- John Kell 2002-2003
- Sam Taylor 2001-2002
- Charlie Tee 2000-2001
Pontifex
- Ismini Pells 2005-present
- Elizabeth Osborne 2004-2005
- Jeremy Lemer 2003-2004
- Chris Howard 2002-2003
- Jenny Ljunghammar 2001-2002
Ceremonius