Lady Margaret Hall

Lady Margaret Hall stands on the banks of the River Cherwell in North Oxford, beside the University Parks. Founded in 1878, it was one of Oxford’s first two women’s colleges, opening in 1879 alongside Somerville. The college began as an Anglican institution under Edward Stuart Talbot, though its early students included women of varied beliefs. Its name honours Lady Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII and a patron of learning. The first principal was Elizabeth Wordsworth, great-niece of the poet William Wordsworth. The college now admits both men and women, having welcomed its first male undergraduates in 1979. The college is worth visiting for its role in women’s education and its notable alumni. Among its graduates are Benazir Bhutto, Michael Gove, Nigella Lawson and Malala Yousafzai. It also pioneered a Foundation Year for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, offering lower entry requirements. The college’s coat of arms bears the motto “Souvent me Souviens,” meaning “Think of me often.” Its history includes the founding of the Lady Margaret Hall Settlement in 1897, a charitable project in North Lambeth. During the Second World War, students grew vegetables on the Fellows’ Lawn to support the war effort. Visitors find a mix of historic and modern buildings set in pleasant gardens. The college’s grounds lie near Norham Gardens, once part of St John’s College’s manor. The Fellows’ Lawn remains a quiet green space, while the chapel reflects the college’s Anglican roots. Inside, portraits and archives recall figures like J. R. R. Tolkien, who tutored students there. The college’s colours—blue, yellow and white—are seen in banners and gowns. A walk along the riverbank offers views of the University Parks and the spires of Oxford beyond.