South Villa

Title

South Villa

From the exhibition held at the event on 29 June 2013 to install the University's first Chancellor and to award honorary fellowships.

South Villa, on the University's current site, was designed and built in 1827 by Decimus Burton, a noted architect who was responsible for many other fine houses, as well as the original buildings for London Zoo, some of which are still visible today. The hexagonal gatehouse in the University grounds is the only surviving vestige now of South Villa, but the location remains, to encircle the current buildings.

RULAP12

Creator

photography by Henry Warren.

Date

1818

Abstract

The beginnings of higher education in London arrived in 1828, with the founding of University College in Gower Street. This was for men only, but in 1849 a “Ladies College” was founded by Mrs Elisabeth Reid and opened nearby in Bedford Square. It was always short of funds, but in 1908, thanks to a generous legacy, the College was able to take a Crown lease on South Villa in the Inner Circle, and so moved into Regent’s Park, taking the “Bedford” name with it.

Format

17 cm x 30 cm

1 photograph : black and white on foam core

Rights

Westminster Archives

Publisher

Westminster Archives

Language

English

Date Issued

1818

Type

Archive