“Imagine students in London, gathered here at K Block Lecture Rooms and SMSU. What stories could these walls tell?
K Block Lecture Rooms and SMSU clearly stand as a place of learning. Let’s explore the history of education around here. The University of London is composed of constituent colleges. Bedford College was founded in 1849. Elisabeth Reid financed it. She wanted a college for women. It differed from Queen’s College. Bedford was unsectarian. Both sexes were on the governing body.
For 40 years, the college had no full-time teachers. Arts subjects were more common early on. Natural science courses existed too. Sixty-eight students attended the first term. Many lacked basic education. From 1853 to 1868, a school operated in the college building. Mrs. Reid died in 1866. She left her estate to promote female education. The trustees used these resources to re-establish Bedford College.
The K Block Lecture Rooms and SMSU probably echo with similar goals today. The College was incorporated in 1869. It moved to York Place, Baker Street five years later. In 1878, London University degree exams opened to women. Teaching developed to meet degree candidate needs. Early developments focused on the Science Department. Between 1876 and 1885, professorships were instated. These were in Chemistry and Physics. Also Zoology, Physiology, and Geology. A college extension opened in East Street in 1891. It met growing demand for science teaching. The College had sixteen departments by this date. Also an Art school. And classes in music and singing. Student numbers varied from 100 to 120. About 28 people were teaching.
Emily Penrose became the first Principal in 1893. The College received L.C.C. and Treasury grants the following year. It was recognized as a school of the University in 1900. Twelve staff members gained University teacher status. A bequest of about 12,500 pounds enabled a purchase. This was in 1908. It was a long lease on South Villa. This house stood in 8 acres in Regents Park. Building started in 1911. The new College opened in 1913. It included residential accommodation for 80 students.
Carlile chairs were endowed due to a gift. These were in English Literature, Latin, Botany, and Physics. Further changes occurred between 1914 and 1922. New Departments of Dutch Studies and Social Studies began. Also Geography. The Art school and Teacher Training Department closed. By 1919, over 600 students studied. Accommodation was a problem. Temporary huts were erected in 1920. Work on a College extension began in 1927. The new premises opened in 1931. It was called Tuke Building. South Villa was then demolished. Houses in Dorset Square and Adamson Road were acquired. These formed halls of residence. They were known as Notcutt House and Bedford College House. By 1939, more than one-third of students lived in residences.
During the Second World War, Bedford College was evacuated to Cambridge. The teaching programme continued with assistance. In 1944, Bedford College returned to London. College buildings had been damaged in 1941. Teaching restarted in temporary buildings. Post-war student numbers increased. The College acquired The Holme in 1945. Also Hanover Lodge in 1947. These were developed for residential purposes. Rebuilding finished in 1952. Further extensions opened in 1957 and 1960.
After 1945, teaching facilities expanded. By 1948, all nineteen departments had University professors. Postgraduate student numbers increased. The K Block Lecture Rooms and SMSU stand on the shoulders of these institutions. They carry on the tradition of learning here in London.”