Wednesday 5 November 2025, 10.30am meeting at 11 Bedford Square
Join the University of London’s Special Collections staff for a tour of Senate House Library, a talk and a hands-on archive session, focusing on Bedford College’s students and their experiences as members of the University of London.
Bedford College was a key founding member of the new, federal University of London in 1900 and, as such, its story and development form a significant part of the University’s history. The Archives hold much material on student life at the University of London from the 1900s to the 1980s, showing how Bedford students took an active part in cross-university activities, such as sport, music, journalism and politics. Guests will have the chance to explore these archival materials, and to enjoy a talk on the shared history of Bedford College and University of London from Dr Angharad Eyre (Researcher for UoL’s Anniversaries Project), who has published extensively on the history of women’s education.
As part of the Senate House tour, there will be an opportunity to view the recent portrait of Lillian Penson, Professor of Modern History at Bedford College 1930-62, who was the first woman to be Vice Chancellor of the University of London from 1948 to 1951.
The starting point for this event is 11 Bedford Square. Coffee/tea will be available and we will have a short talk on the Bedford College archives before moving over to Senate House.
This is a duplication of the event that was held in 2024 for those who were unable to attend.
Tickets are free, but booking is essential - please email alumni@rhbnc.ac.uk with your full name, subject of study and graduation year to book your place.
Registrant details will be shared with the Bedford Society Committee, who are organising this event.
