Eva Smith

Who was Eva Smith? Here at Newnham College, Eva Smith House stands as a testament to a remarkable woman. Eva Smith House isn’t just a building. It’s the embodiment of a life dedicated to education and empowering women. Eva Smith, born in 1885, was a brilliant mathematician. In 1907, she achieved the rare distinction of being the only female “wrangler,” earning a First in the Mathematics Tripos finals at Cambridge. Imagine the academic rigor in those days, and a woman excelling in a male-dominated field. After graduating, Eva’s path led her to Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania and then back to the UK. She held various teaching positions, eventually becoming the Principal of Edge Hill Training College, the first non-denominational teacher training college for women in Liverpool. Tragically, during World War II, Edge Hill suffered a direct hit in a bombing raid. Eva Smith, battling ill health and failing eyesight, retired shortly after. Eva Smith eventually returned to Cambridge. She lived a quiet life, tending her garden until her death in 1961. Eva Smith bequeathed her estate to Newnham College. This generous gift helped purchase and convert 16 Grange Road into graduate accommodation. The house, fittingly, became Eva Smith House. It was designed as an innovative experiment: a self-governed space for graduate students, fostering independence and responsibility. It offered “freedom and independence without loneliness,” a testament to Eva’s own commitment to student development. Eva Smith House continues to thrive. It recently underwent renovations, incorporating modern amenities while retaining its original charm. So, as you stand before Eva Smith House, remember the woman behind the name. Recall her mathematical brilliance, her dedication to education, and her enduring legacy at Newnham College.