Westfield College opened in Hampstead, London, on 2 October 1882, with just 5 students and 2 members of staff. The College was the first specifically aimed at preparing women for University of London degrees and was also the first residential women's college in London. It opened at a time where little higher education opportunities were available for women and opposition to the idea of education for women was strong.
See more examples from the Westfield College archives and find out more about women’s education in Women at Queen Mary and in the Students Experience of Westfield College Gallery.