The 'Gledhill Skyline'
A tribute to a Sidney Sussex man
This is a brilliant place to live - right in the centre of Cambridge, and the views are stunning.
Rhiannon Mansell (2007, Veterinary Medicine)
It's affordable, it's comfortable, it's modern - it's great!
Holly Hooker (2006, Veterinary Medicine)
In an act of generosity and remembrance, Mrs Kyoko Gledhill has enabled the creation of new accommodation at Sidney Sussex College where David Gledhill, her late husband, studied economics.
Mrs Gledhill has supported the modernisation of Blundell Court, and the creation of a new floor of student accommodation. Named the 'Gledhill Skyline', it represents an eloquent and enduring testament to her husband's love for his College, as well as an act of great commitment to the students of today and of the future. Affordable private lodgings in Cambridge are at a premium, and the College regards the provision of comfortable, secure and attractive accommodation as a key objective.
Blundell Court has exceeded expectations. Light, airy and with spectacular views over the College gardens and the historic town centre, it is a wonderful place to live, study, think, relax, exchange ideas and, of course, socialise. "I like the fact that I'm right by the College library and only a stagger away from the bar!" says Jeremy Coulon (2006, Mathematics). Many alumni reading this will appreciate the juxtaposition.
Mrs Gledhill, a member of the 1596 Foundation for Benefactors of Sidney Sussex, has also supported studentships at the College, and the Churchill College Archives. Her own connections with Cambridge run deep: in the 1920s her grandfather, Professor Matsuji Takeuchi, studied Shakespeare at Cambridge, and led the delegation of Japanese students that welcomed Crown Prince Hirohito to England on his first European trip. Interestingly, he was a contemporary of David's father, Arnold Crosland Gledhill, who matriculated at Sidney in 1919.
A memorial sundial in a quiet corner of Cloister Court is a further tribute to the memory of a gifted student, keen sportsman, highly respected entrepreneur, public-spirited man, and devoted husband.
About David Gledhill, CBE
David Anthony Gledhill was born in Karachi in 1934 and matriculated in 1955 to study Economics at Sidney Sussex. At Cambridge, David was a gifted student and keen sportsman. After graduating he undertook a National Service Commission in the Royal Artillery, and his long and illustrious career in international shipping – and deep connections with Hong Kong – began when he joined John Swire and Sons and was then posted to Hong Kong.
In addition to his numerous and varied roles and accomplishments in business, David Gledhill also played an active role in public service, for which he was awarded a CBE in 1992. One thing, however, could always distract him from his work, according to his wife, Kyoko: "David had a passionate personal interest in rugby."
While that particular game is unlikely to be played on the grass of Cloister Court – at least within earshot of the porters – the quiet presence of a remarkable man endures at Sidney Sussex.Back to top
