Imagine a determined woman of 75. She defied expectations in the 17th century. That woman was Dorothy Wadham. Today we stand before the Dorothy Wadham Building. It is a testament to her legacy.
The Dorothy Wadham Building is part of Wadham College. The college was founded in 1610. Nicholas and Dorothy Wadham founded it. Nicholas died in 1609. He left his fortune to Dorothy. He instructed her to endow a college at Oxford.
Dorothy faced challenges. Nicholas’ relations made claims to the family fortune. Dorothy fought hard. She purchased land for the college. She created its statutes. Dorothy recruited staff. She appointed fellows and scholars. She even hired a college cook. All this happened within four years. She oversaw everything from her house in Devon. She added to the endowment using her own funds.
Originally, the college was for men only. In 1974, the rules changed. Women could become full members. Wadham College was a pioneer. It was one of the first Oxford colleges to make this change. Monica Ali, Felicity Jones, and Anne McElvoy are notable female Wadhamites.
Completed in 2019, the Dorothy Wadham Building has won awards. It won two Oxford Preservation Trust awards. It also won the RIBA South Award 2021 and RIBA National Award 2021.
The Dorothy Wadham Building has 135 ensuite bedrooms. They are arranged in flats for four to seven guests. Each flat has a common room. It also has a kitchen and dining area. This is perfect for socializing.
The Garden Room is where breakfast is served. Other meals can be arranged here too. The Garden Room has AV equipment. It can be used for teaching. There are laundry facilities. There is also secure bicycle storage. Free WiFi is available.
The Dorothy Wadham Building is arranged around a garden quad. It is a tranquil oasis. It’s a place to relax. Iffley Road has bars, restaurants, and music venues. Buses and taxis provide easy access to the city center. The train and coach stations are nearby.
The building’s design blends with the surroundings. It uses low-energy design. There are bat boxes. The courtyard garden is beautifully planted. The building is green.
The Dorothy Wadham Building stands as a modern tribute. It honors a woman who shaped Oxford’s history. It provides a space for learning and growth. It embodies Dorothy Wadham’s vision.