On Sunday 21 September we were pleased to welcome visitors to our popular Heritage Open Days 2025 event. This year’s theme was ‘Buildings and Architecture’, and of course there was no shortage of material to explore at the College.

Tours of the original Priory buildings, led by Foundation Archivist Jo Wong and Alumni and Development Officer Caroline Spencer, introduced visitors to the fascinating heritage of Pugin’s chapel, the Roundhouse, the Cloisters and the Priory’s first church (now the College Library). Visitors also had the chance to explore a special display arranged by College Site Supervisor Dekk Brain, which showcased some of the original features of the buildings and the design processes behind them.

It was a pleasure to welcome both alumni and new visitors to the event, with many attendees commenting that they had regularly driven past the College without having any idea of the beauty inside its walls. We are already looking forward to participating in next year’s event and helping more visitors to discover a real hidden gem on their doorstep!

Images:

1. The Quad, including the first church, c.1890s (archive ref. SMP.24.2.97) 

2. Exterior of the Roundhouse, c.1950s (archive ref. SMP.24.2.101) 

3. Interior of the first church, showing the Pippet mural, c. 1890s (archive ref. SMP.24.2.96)