Mount St Mary's College

In 1842, in the aftermath of Catholic emancipation, Mount St. Mary College was born. Its first name was the College of the Immaculate Conception at Spinkhill, founded by the visionary Fr. Randall Lythgoe. With Jesuits as its backbone, the college boasts some of the oldest buildings in the area that date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. A prime example of this is the iconic Sodality Chapel which is the oldest part of the college. However, these buildings would not be what they are today if it were not for a bit of drama in history. Soldiers of King Charles II, for instance, raided a Jesuit college in Holbeck Woodhouse, and to their amazement, discovered its fantastic furnishings that they took with them to Spinkhill, thus enriching the newly born Mount St. Mary College with them. The campus of Mount St. Mary's College in the early days was not as it is today. With a growing student population, in 1840, the first building dedicated to education at the College was designed by the notable architect Joseph Hansom. Ten years later, the college became a pioneer in coeducation when it opened the Hopkins wing, dedicated to educating girls. This became the hub for providing quality education and empowerment to the female populace, making the college an inspiration for many. Construction started on the new college building in 1876, designed by the legendary architect Henry Clutton. His intricate architectural details came to life in the form of the exquisite design and impeccable finishes of the College building, which eventually was completed in 1912. These new buildings played an essential role in shaping the College into what it is today. As the College progresses towards modernity, its rich history remains embedded in the structures and the mission that continue to guide its future. The values and beliefs instilled in its founding fathers will remain integral in the years to come as the College takes strides toward newer heights.