> Thematic History

> 1850-1901:
Education for Women
- Victorian Ideals
- Woman Physician
- Ladies College

> 1902-1913:
Education & Vocation
- Learning at ELC
- The Westfield Way

> 1914-1945:
War & Circumstance
- The Great War
- WWII Evacuation
- Learning & Leisure

> 1946-1959:
Peace & Acceptance
- Restoration
- Medicine & Dentistry

> 1960-present:
Change & Opportunity
- Women in Science
- Creativity & Diversity
- Then & Now

Students' learning and leisure continued throughout this period. During the years between the two World Wars, a number of changes occurred. In 1934, East London College was renamed Queen Mary College, and students benefited from new facilities and buildings, including a new women’s hall of residence. At Westfield College, student numbers continued to rise, and academic and social life carried on as usual, with students enjoying outdoor and other activities.

Westfield College students enjoying leisure time outdoors, c1930. Courtesy of Queen Mary, University of London Archives.

Students gather in the new main-side entrance at Queen Mary College, c1934. Courtesy of Queen Mary, University of London Archives.

The new building at Queen Mary College (above, right) was opened by Queen Elizabeth (The Queen Mother) on 5 June 1934. In the years following WWI, the People’s Palace had difficulty attracting the public to its events, and the premises were purchased by the University of London to provide more accommodation for students. The buildings were converted for use by the College to provide a dining room and a cafeteria for the staff and students, together with the former small hall which was used for lectures and students activities. The former theatre provided a College assembly hall, and the stage was retained to give students the opportunity of producing concerts and dramatic shows.

H.M.Queen Mary opened the new Women’s Halls of Residence, Lynden Hall,
at Queen Mary College in May, 1938.
Courtesy of Queen Mary, University of London Archives.

In 1934, East London College was renamed Queen Mary College, in honour of Queen Mary, who presented the College with its Royal Charter in that year. In 1939, Lynden Hall, a student residential hall for women located in South Woodford, was opened by Queen Mary. The hall for 37 women boasted central-heating, and running hot and cold water. Peggy Holmes became Warden of Lynden Hall in 1951. More...