News

St Mary's College Golden Jubilee

(14 November 2002)

St Mary's College has renamed a number of its buildings and rooms after six former Principals to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the move to Elvet Hill.

As part of the celebrations, students and staff attended a special renaming ceremony on Sunday 13 October in the presence of two of the former Principals, Mrs Irene Prowse (nee Calvert) and Miss Joan Kenworthy whose periods of office span the past three decades.

They were joined by the President of the Senior Common Room, Mrs Gwyneth Cole who witnessed the laying of the Foundation Stone by HRH Princess Elizabeth in 1947 and was one of the first occupants in the new building in October 1952.

St Mary's College Principal, Miss Jenny Hobbs MBE said:"We are delighted to have this opportunity to commemorate the contributions made by former Principals to the development of the College. They have each helped to shape a vibrant and successful community and we continue to build on that success".

The "Main Building" becomes the Fergusson Building after former Principal Margaret Fergusson 1940-55. The "New Building" becomes the Williamson Building after Marjorie Williamson 1955-62. The "Conference Hall" becomes Kenworthy Hall after Joan Kenworthy 1977-99. The "Committee Room" becomes the Calvert Room after Irene Calvert 1974-77 and two Seminar Rooms are renamed the Donaldson Room after Rachel Donaldson 1915-40 and the Holdsworth Room after Mary Holdsworth 1962-74.

St Mary's has occupied various locations throughout its history. The original hostel (1899) was in Claypath; in 1901 it moved to Abbey House on Palace Green. It moved again in 1919, this time to 8 The College, which now houses The Chorister School. Today, St Mary's occupies superb buildings on Elvet Hill, overlooking the Cathedral.