Ever heard of a college that began in rooms above a baker’s shop? That’s just a sliver of the story at Somerville College Lodge.
Welcome to Somerville College Lodge. This isn’t just any lodge. It’s a place steeped in history and academic excellence. Somerville College was founded as Somerville Hall in 1879. It aimed to provide Oxford education to women.
The college is named after Mary Somerville. She was a Scottish mathematician and scientist. Her family’s motto Donec rursus impleat orbem was adopted. It means Until it should fill the world again.
Somerville College stands out for its alumnae. Margaret Thatcher studied here. So did Indira Gandhi and Dorothy Hodgkin. These women were trailblazers. They achieved many firsts in their fields.
Originally, Somerville Hall had only 12 students. They attended lectures above a baker’s shop on Little Clarendon Street. Imagine learning calculus with the aroma of fresh bread. Only two of those original students completed their three-year residence. They earned a bachelor’s degree. Over time Somerville became more formalized. It began admitting more students. By the late 1890s women could attend lectures in almost all colleges.
Walton House is the original building of Somerville Hall. It dates back to 1826. It was purchased from St John’s College. This was done amid fears of repossession. In 1881, a new south wing doubled the student capacity. Before 2014, the building housed the college bar. Now it is home to students. It also holds Green Hall.
Park is another notable hall. It was inspired by Newnham College in Cambridge. In the 1880s rooms were constructed for students. These rooms included their own dining room and sitting rooms. Today there are many student rooms. There are also fellow’s rooms in the building.
The Somerville Library was a first for women’s colleges. Basil Champneys designed it in 1903. It was designed to hold 60000 books. Today it holds over 120000 items.
Hall and Maitland were designed by Edmund Fisher in 1911. The outer limit of Oxford fortifications runs under the site. This made construction difficult. Somerville is unique because all portraits in its dining hall depict women.
Somerville College Chapel embodies its non-denominational roots. Instead of a chaplain it has a Chapel Director. It welcomes speakers from various religious backgrounds.
During the First World War, Somerville was requisitioned. It became the Third Southern General Hospital. Students moved to Oriel College. They rented St Mary Hall Quad.
Somerville began admitting men in 1994. It was one of the last colleges to become coeducational. A 50 percent gender balance is maintained.
Students may walk on the grass. This is a privilege few Oxford colleges offer. Somerville has a gym and shared sports grounds. It also hosts a Triennial Ball jointly with Jesus College.
Today Somerville College stands as a testament to progress. It’s a place where women found their voices and changed the world. Remember its motto Until it should fill the world again. It’s a legacy that continues to inspire.