Our History

The origins of the College of St Hild and St Bede date from the foundation of two Colleges of Education; The College of the Venerable Bede (for men) in 1839 and St Hild’s College (for women) in 1858.

The two Colleges were amalgamated in 1975 as the College of St Hild & St Bede which subsequently became a University Council-controlled College in 1979 and ceased to specialise in Education. However, the association with the University was always close prior to this date with undergraduates being members of the two original Colleges - the first three women graduates of Durham, in 1898, were members of St Hild’s College.

Students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, from all departments within the University are members of College. This diversity adds to the richness of life within the community.