By 1878, UCL became the first university in England to welcome women to higher education alongside men – and English Literature was one of the first subjects they could study thanks to Henry Morley.

As one of Britain’s first professors of English Literature, Henry Morley (1822 – 1894) helped to establish English as a respected subject at university. He supported more students, particularly women, to study the subject and also set up some of the first evening literature courses open to the public. 

Morley was a journalist, literary critic and much-loved teacher, known for his warm and engaging teaching style. As UCL Professor of English Literature, he increased the number of students taking classes from a handful to almost 200 and led one of the first courses for women in English Literature.

By 1878, UCL became the first university in England to welcome women to higher education alongside men – and English Literature was one of the first subjects they could study. Later, Morley set up evening literature courses for working women, such as governesses and schoolteachers, who couldn’t attend daytime classes.  

I need not say how strongly I feel that it is the business of U.C. to be boldly first in recognising fully any new and real want of the time.

Henry Morley writing to the Secretary of the College about the admission of women at UCL, 14 June 1872

Morley was committed to inclusive education, welcoming and supporting students from India, including perhaps one of his most famous students, future Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. He also backed suffragist Annie Leigh Browne in founding College Hall, a UCL student residence for women.  

Morley’s contributions were not just academic - he helped to build a strong student culture that valued openness, co-education and fair access. His continuous involvement in so many UCL initiatives to support students earned him the affectionate nickname ‘More-and-Morley’.  

His legacy lives on in Morley College, founded in 1889 as the Morley Memorial College for Working Men and Women to extend his tradition of public lectures.  

Morley’s early work and commitment to widen access to education for women and students of all backgrounds still shapes UCL today. 
 

Image (top): Henry Morley by Robert Morley / UCL Art Museum, LDUCS-5623

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