What began as Woolwich Polytechnic in 1890 evolved into the esteemed University of Greenwich. It stands as a testament to London’s enduring commitment to education. We are standing before a place of learning and innovation.
The University of Greenwich has a rich history. It started as the second-oldest polytechnic in the UK. Frank Didden founded it, inspired by Quintin Hogg’s principles. The doors opened to students in October 1891. Initially, it blended education with social and religious activities.
By 1894, the focus shifted. The University of Greenwich concentrated on higher technical education. Its location near Woolwich Dockyard and the Royal Arsenal shaped its curriculum. William Anderson, from the Ordnance Factories, served as a trustee. The premises also hosted day schools. The first Woolwich Polytechnic School appeared in 1897.
In 1970, Woolwich Polytechnic merged. It joined part of Hammersmith College of Art and Building. This formed Thames Polytechnic. Over the next years, several colleges joined. Dartford College in 1976, Avery Hill College of Education in 1985, and Garnett College in 1987 were among them. Parts of Goldsmiths College and the City of London College also joined in 1988.
The year 1992 marked a turning point. Thames Polytechnic gained university status. In 1993, it was renamed the University of Greenwich. The Thames College of Health Care Studies officially merged with the university on January 1, 1993. It became a full faculty.
The Natural Resources Institute joined in 1996. It was formerly a UK government research agency. In 2001, the university moved its main campus. It left Woolwich for Greenwich. In 2018, the University of Greenwich partnered with Charlton Athletic F.C.
The University of Greenwich has multiple campuses. The Greenwich Campus is mainly in the Old Royal Naval College. The Royal Navy sold the premises in the 1990s. The Business School calls this campus home. Also, the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Faculty of Education, Health and Human Sciences reside here.
Inside the Old Royal Naval College, find The Painted Hall. Sir James Thornhill painted it in the 18th century. It displays over 40,000 square feet of painted surfaces. These include 200 paintings of kings, queens, and mythological creatures.
The campus boasts a large library on Stockwell Street. It holds many books and journals. You’ll also find language labs and a 300-PC computing facility here. Specialist computer laboratories are available. The Dreadnought Centre has one. A TV studio and editing suites are also on site. The Stephen Lawrence Gallery showcases contemporary artists. It links to the School of Design.
The Dreadnought Building is award-winning. It houses the Students Union. It also hosts the Faculty of Education, Health and Human Sciences. Psychology and neuroscience laboratories are here. An early years simulated classroom is available. There’s a gym, a bar, and a cafe. Computer laboratories, teaching, and social spaces are available for students. This building was once the Dreadnought Seaman’s hospital. It was named after the HMS Dreadnought. This ship served as a quarantine and hospital ship on the Thames. HMS Dreadnought previously fought at the Battle of Trafalgar.
The University of Greenwich continues to evolve. It adapts to meet the needs of its students and the wider world. Its motto says it all: “To learn, to do, to achieve.”