Which Cambridge college did C.S. Lewis join as a fellow when he became a professor in 1954?

C.S. Lewis joined Magdalene College, Cambridge, as a fellow when he became the university’s first Professor of Medieval and Renaissance English in 1954.

He had spent most of his academic career at Magdalen College, Oxford, but the two colleges are different institutions and are spelled differently. Oxford’s college is Magdalen, while Cambridge’s is Magdalene, ending in “-ene.”

Lewis held the Cambridge professorship from 1954 until his death in 1963. His appointment allowed him to continue teaching and writing while remaining connected to medieval and Renaissance literature.

The similar names create a common mix-up. Lewis’s Oxford fellowship was at Magdalen College; his Cambridge fellowship and professorship were at Magdalene College. The answer therefore requires the Cambridge spelling.