At Royal Holloway, we’re proud of our history. Brave from the beginning, we were founded over 170 years ago by two Victorian social pioneers who wanted to make a difference.
Royal Holloway is formed from two colleges, Bedford College, founded by Elizabeth Jesser Reid and Royal Holloway College, founded by Thomas and Jane Holloway.
These colleges were among the first places in Britain where women could access higher education, so our rich history is deeply rooted in providing equity in opportunity, transforming lives through education and creating positive change.
Bedford College in central London opened its doors in 1849. It was the first higher education college in the UK for women and counts the novelist George Eliot and the first female doctor, Dr Elizabeth Blackwell, among its early students.
In 1886, Royal Holloway College in Surrey was opened by Queen Victoria. By 1900, the colleges became part of the University of London, later merging in 1985 to form what is now Royal Holloway.
Our history of championing social change and inclusion underpins everything we do today. Fast forward to the present day, Royal Holloway is one of the top 30 UK universities, according to The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.
We’re proud of opening up university education to those who dared to step outside what society laid out for them and asking the tough questions. As a University of Social Purpose, our dedication to inclusive education and impactful research allows us to empower our global community of students, colleagues and partners to make a real difference in the world.
Guided by our history, we’re working to build a better future. Driving positive change for what matters – for our students, society and the world.
