The college was founded in 1326 as University Hall and renamed Clare Hall in 1338. The rows of 17C buildings are the work of Robert Grumbold and his father, Thomas and are among the most harmonious in Cambridge. Clare Bridge was built by Thomas Grumbold. Note the missing segment of one of the stone balls on the bridge parapet. Grumbold vowed he would never finish the bridge until he was paid. He never was.