St Hilda’s College is a constituent college of the University of Oxford in England, named after Hilda of Whitby, an Anglo-Saxon saint. Founded in 1893 as a women’s college, St Hilda’s remains a women’s college as of 2008.
As Somerville College admitted men in 1994, St Hilda’s was the last single-sex college in the university. Today, the college has almost the same amount of male and female students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. As of 2018, the college had an endowment of £52.1 million.
What's the History of St Hilda's College?
St Hilda’s College was founded by Dorothea Beale in 1893 (initially as St Hilda’s Hall) as a women’s college. Since a vote on 7 June, 2006 by the Governing Body, both men and women can be admitted as fellows and students. In October 2007 a supplemental charter was granted and in 2008 male students were admitted to St Hilda’s for the first time. The college now has almost equal numbers of men and women at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
St Hilda’s was the first women’s college in Oxbridge to create a women’s Eigths in 1911.
The Buildings of St Hilda's College
St Holda’s College is the only University of Oxford college lying east of the River Cherwell.
Its grounds include six major buildings. They include student accommodation, teaching areas, dining hall, the library and administration blocks.
The first building was Cowley House, built by Humphrey Sibthorp and now known as Hall. In 1921 the hall acquired the lease of Cherwell Hall, now known as South, which was originally Cowley Grange. More recent additions are Wolfson (opened in 1964), Garden (opened in 1971), and the Christina Barratt Building (opened in 2001).
The college also owns a number of properties on Iffley Road, and in the Cowley area.
The Jacqueline Du Pré Music Building
The JdP is a concert venue named after the famous cellist and honorary fellow of the college. Established in 1995, it was the first purpose-built concert hall in Oxford since the Holywell Music Room in 1742. It now houses the Steinway-equipped Edward Boyle Auditorium and a number of music practice rooms. JdP hosts frequent recitals presented by the St Hilda’s Music Society and concerts by a number of world-renowned performers.
What is it Like to Study at St Hilda's College, Oxford?
The college grounds stretch along the banks of the River Cherwell and have many rooms overlooking the river and playing fields beyond. St Hilda’s has its own fleet of punts, which students of the college may use free of charge in the summer months.
Where is St Hilda’s College?
St Hilda’s College is located on Cowley Place (OX4 1DY), Oxford. Tel 01865 276884.
Can you Visit St Hilda’s College?
Yes, St Hilda’s College is open to the public.
- Open: By appointment only.
- Charge: Free.
- Groups: Please call.
