Event of 1886: The Royal Holloway College for women is opened by Queen Victoria

Background. Thomas Holloway founded the college in 1879 on the Mount Lee Estate in Egham. The initiative arose from a public debate regarding philanthropy, where his wife Jane proposed building a college specifically for women. The original building, described as 'the most ebullient Victorian building in the Home Counties,' represents the summit of High Victorian design.

Official Opening. The Founder's Building was officially opened in 1886 by Queen Victoria. This event marked the formal establishment of the college as an all-women institution. The Queen granted the use of 'Royal' in the college's name, a significant honor that defined its identity. The chapel was also completed in 1886 as one of the last parts of the university to be finished.

Legacy. The college later became a constituent of the University of London in 1900. In 1985, it merged with Bedford College, another former all-women's college. The merged entity was named Royal Holloway and Bedford New College, retaining the official registered name by Act of Parliament, though day-to-day usage changed to Royal Holloway, University of London in 1992.