Somerville College, Oxford

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Somerville College, Oxford is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in England. It was founded in 1879 as Somerville Hall, named after the Scottish mathematician and scientist Mary Somerville. The college was established to provide an opportunity for women to study at Oxford at a time when the university was predominantly male.

History

Somerville College was one of the first women's colleges in Oxford, alongside Lady Margaret Hall. It was founded by a group of individuals who were committed to the higher education of women. The college became coeducational in 1994, admitting men as well as women.

Architecture

The college's buildings are a mix of architectural styles, reflecting its development over more than a century. The original buildings were designed by Basil Champneys, and later additions include the Wolfson Building and the Margaret Thatcher Centre. The college also has a beautiful library, which was one of the first purpose-built libraries for women in Oxford.

Academics

Somerville College offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. It is known for its strong emphasis on academic excellence and has produced many notable alumni, including Margaret Thatcher, the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and Indira Gandhi, the first female Prime Minister of India.

Student Life

The college has a vibrant student community with a variety of clubs and societies. The Junior Common Room (JCR) and the Middle Common Room (MCR) are the hubs of student activity. The college also has a strong tradition in music and drama, with regular performances and events.

Notable Alumni

• Margaret Thatcher - Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
• Indira Gandhi - Former Prime Minister of India
• Dorothy Hodgkin - Nobel Prize-winning chemist
• Iris Murdoch - Novelist and philosopher

Related Pages

• University of Oxford
• Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford
• Basil Champneys
• Margaret Thatcher
• Indira Gandhi
• Dorothy Hodgkin
• Iris Murdoch