Somerville College

Somerville was founded in 1879 under the title of Somerville Hall to provide a non-denominational alternative to the Anglican Lady Margaret Hall. The name was given in honour of the mathematician and scientist Mary Somerville (1780-1872), and the arms and motto of her family were adopted, with their permission, by the Hall.

In 1881 the Hall was registered under the Companies Act as an Association not intended for profit; and in 1894 its name was changed from Somerville Hall to Somerville College. In 1910 it was admitted by decree of Convocation as a Recognized Society under the Delegacy for Women Students. Until 1920, when women were admitted to membership of the University, its staff and students were registered as members of the Association for Promoting the Higher Education of Women (AEW). In 1926 the joint stock company was wound up, and Somerville was incorporated by Royal Charter as "The Principal and Council of Somerville College". In 1951 its statutes were amended to restrict membership of the Governing Body to the Principal and Fellows, and in 1959 it was finally admitted, with the other Women's Societies, as a full College of the University. In 1992 the statutes were again amended to open the College to men. The first male Fellows were admitted in 1993, and the first male junior members the following year.

This text is by kind permission of Somerville College.