Wantage Hall

Wantage Hall, built 1908, is the oldest hall of residence at the University of Reading, in Reading, Berkshire, England. The hall is one of 13 belonging to the University and is close to Whiteknights Campus. It is thought to be the first student accommodation to have been purpose-built in England outside Oxford and Cambridge.[1]

Wantage Hall
Clock tower with arched entrance
Location within Reading
General information
StatusGrade II listed[1]
TypeHall of residence
Architectural styleNeo-Tudor
AddressUpper Redlands Road,
Reading, Berks RG1 5JG
Town or cityReading, Berkshire
CountryEngland
Coordinates51.4449°N 0.9556°W / 51.4449; -0.9556
Construction started1906
Completed1908
OwnerUniversity of Reading
Technical details
Structural systemred brick, English bond
Design and construction
ArchitectCharles Steward Smith
Website
www.rdg.ac.uk/wantage

History

Wantage Hall was built in 1906–1908 by Harriet, Lady Wantage in memory of her husband Robert Loyd-Lindsay, 1st Baron Wantage, and was the first residential hall of the University, at that time an extension college of Christ Church, Oxford.[1] It was laid out as a quadrangle and built in Neo-Tudor style in red brick with stone details. In 1970 an extension of little architectural interest was built to the north, also in red brick. This was called "New Court", and the original structure became "Old Court".[1]

Use

The hall provides fully catered residential accommodation for about 245 students.[1]

Wantage Hall was used by the No 1 School of Military Aeronautics during the First World War for training flight instructors, cadet pilots and observers. During World War II, it was the headquarters of RAF Reserve Command.[1][2][3]

References
  1. English Heritage (2008). "Wantage Hall, Reading". British Listed Buildings.
  2. Ashworth, Chris (1990). Action Stations: Military airfields of the Central South and South-East. Patrick Stephens Ltd. p. 245. ISBN 1852603763.
  3. Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation - RAF Home Commands formed between 1939–1957


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