Aberdare Hall, Cardiff

Aberdare Hall is one of the halls of residence serving students at Cardiff University. The Hall was established by the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire in 1883, for female students. Its foundation was at a time when opportunities for women in higher education were few. The Hall owed most to the efforts of Lady Aberdare (1827-1897) and John Viriamu Jones, principal of the University College, 1883-1901 who, with his wife, took a keen interest in its establishment and management. Lady Aberdare was a proponent of higher education for women, and took an active part in ecclesiastical, social and educational matters. She served as a member of the University College Council and Court of Governors.

The first Hall was located in Keswick House, Richmond Road, Cardiff, and opened in 1885, with nine students. The Hall benefited from the service of its principals, notably Ethel Hurlbatt from 1892-1898, and her sister, Kate. Ethel went on to become Principal of Bedford College in the University of London. The present Hall opened in 1895, designed by W. D. Caroe in brick and terra-cotta and paid for by public subscription. It was the second university residence solely for women in Britain. Later on the hall was extended and Library Wing and Garden Wing were created to accommodate more students. It is still a female-only hall.