The Cambridge Union was opened in 1815 as a platform for free speech within the University. Never afraid to court controversy, the society has been closed down on several occasions due to contentious and outrageous actions. One of the centres of University life in the city, the union has become most famous for it’s guest speakers and lively debates, some of which are open to the general public. During the twentieth century the union has played host to some of the biggest names in world politics including Roosevelt, Lloyd George and Churchill and continues to attract the great and the good to this day.