UCL acquires Dr Williams's Library and Henry Morley Building

The purchase of the Grade II listed, mid-19th century property brings the building back to UCL, having originally been designed by Thomas Leverton Donaldson, Professor of Architecture at University College, London and built in 1848-49 as a hall of residence, ‘University Hall’.  

The impressive building is set across a basement, raised ground and five upper floors, and it’s c33,000 sq ft provides a range of spaces for different uses across the University.  

Built in a red brick Tudor style and located on Bloomsbury’s famous Gordon Square, the building sits in a prime location and neighbours the UCL Student Centre, UCL Institute of Archaeology and UCL Institute of the Americas, among others.  

UCL's President and Provost Dr Michael Spence said:

““I am delighted that the Dr Williams's Library and Henry Morley Building on Gordon Square is returning to UCL. This unique, versatile space offers incredible potential, while also celebrating UCL’s pioneering heritage as we count down to our bicentenary in 2026” 

He added:

“ “From the double-height library to the stunning views of Gordon Square, this historic building will provide an inspiring setting for UCL’s trademark radical thinking for many years to come.” 

The original building was shared with Manchester New College (now Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford) from 1853-1889. When Manchester New College relocated to Oxford in 1889, the building was acquired by the Dr Williams's Trust, the Charity of Reverend Dr Daniel Williams, a Presbyterian minister and theologian. 

The Dr Williams’s Trust has been custodian of the property, which has housed Dr Williams’s collection on the British Protestant Dissenting tradition, for over 130 years. The nationally significant library collections will remain in the ownership of the Dr Williams’s Trust. 

Tom Porter-Williams, Assistant Director, Property and Asset Management said:

“ “We are incredibly excited to bring this fantastic building into UCL’s estate portfolio. Having been off the market for over 130 years, the purchase of the Dr Williams's Library and Henry Morley Building represents a rare opportunity to provide iconic space at the heart of the Bloomsbury campus. 

““This important acquisition represents the realisation of a once in multiple generation opportunity and is the culmination of some significant hard work and collaboration involving numerous stakeholders across the university. It's exciting to imagine the results being enjoyed by generations to come.” 

The sale of the Dr Williams's Library and Henry Morley Building were completed on 25th March 2024. Exact plans for the use of the buildings in progress and updates will be provided in due course.  

Links: 

• The Dr Williams’s Trust 
• UCL Estates 

Images:  

• (1) Dr Williams’ Library, 14-15 Gordon Square: Frank Knight 
• (2) The lecture hall Frank Knight 
• (3) Main entrance: Frank Knight 
• (4) The library: Frank Knight 

Media contact: 

Sophie Hunter 

sophie.hunter [at] ucl.ac.uk