University of London

Abstract

THE report of the Principal on the Work of the University of London, 1939-40, gives a short account of the officially recommended dispersal of the various schools. The result was a heavy demand on those who received the evacuees, the Universities of Cambridge, Bristol and Wales in particular. The intensive air-raids which were expected not having yet arrived, Birkbeck College has re-opened for day and evening classes. The imperial College of Science and Technology has remained open at South Kensington for several courses in chemistry, physics, and mining, and the London School of Economics with day teaching at Peterhouse has maintained evening classes in London. Bedford College went to Newnham, and Westfield to St. Peter's Hall, Oxford. The agricultural students at Wye went to Reading for the first term, but the College was re-opened for teaching last January. The British Postgraduate Medical School and the Lister Institute remained in London, and nearly all the other medical schools are now there again, and would plainly lose by dissociation from their special hospitals. The Government decision not to call up under the age of twenty led to some trouble in unexpected accommodation. At the end of August the Ministry of Information took over the Senate House, and the new wing designed for the Institute of Historical Research, when finished, will also be occupied by the Ministry. The University was due to receive a grant of £25,000 from the National Fitness Council towards the new Students' Union, but that was vetoed by the Treasury on the outbreak of War. Lord Nufneld gave twice as much, and on being asked if in the altered circumstances be would withdraw the gift, wished it to be retained for building in happier times.