Eleanor Grove 1826 – 1905
doi:10.2307/j.ctv1xz0vg.8 page 91, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Educationalist, suffragist.
1826 – 22 November 1905
Some Key Achievements and Interests
First principal of College Hall which opened 1882–the Hall, founded by sisters Annie Leigh Browne and Thomazine Mary Browne.* It provided accommodation for women studying at University College London (UCL) and the London School of Medicine for Women (LSMW). The Hall set new precedents: women applying to the college did not have to provide character references, students were represented on the governing body.
College Hall was successful, under Grove and Rosa Morrison’s guidance, in establishing a community of female students who interacted, networked and supported each other. Many became pioneers in their own fields.
On Grove’s and Morison’s retirement in 1900, Louisa MacDonald gave a vote of thanks. She reflected on her time as a resident of College Hall: :
“At first we had very little inward life, but gradually it grew, and students began to feel that the Hall was a place where the best kind of life might be going on, the life of workers together, helping each other to perfect work.”
Lady Resident at Queen’s College.
Legacy
UCL now grants an annual Eleanor Grove scholarship.
2018 New hall of residence named Eleanor Rosa Hall after Rosa and Eleanor Grove.
Issues
Criticism of her relationship with partner Rosa Morrison.
Connection to Bloomsbury
College Hall opened at 1 Bing Place, Torrington Square.
1890 Retired to house at 15 Tavistock Place.
Female networks
Lifelong partner Rosa Morrison.
Educational networks.
Further reading:
Listen/read about the founding of College Hall: College Hall and Chenies Street Chambers – Pascal Theatre Company (pascal-theatre.com)