> Thematic History

> 1850-1901:
Education for Women
- Victorian Ideals
- Woman Physician
- Ladies College

> 1902-1913:
Education & Vocation
- Learning at ELC
- The Westfield Way

> 1914-1945:
War & Circumstance
- The Great War
- WWII Evacuation
- Learning & Leisure

> 1946-1959:
Peace & Acceptance
- Restoration
- Medicine & Dentistry

> 1960-present:
Change & Opportunity
- Women in Science
- Creativity & Diversity
- Then & Now

Westfield College was founded in 1882 by a group committed to 'founding and perpetuating a college for the higher education of women on Christian principles'. This venture was made possible by a generous donation from Ann Dudin Brown (1823-1917), a wealthy heiress. Westfield became the first residential women’s college in London, and was situated in Hampstead, North London.

The new 'London College for Ladies' opened on 2 October 1882, with 5 staff and 5 students in residence. The first Mistress of Westfield was Constance Maynard (1849–1935), who saw the College evolve into a prominent College of the University of London, and played a significant role in securing the intellectual enfranchisement of women.

Courses offered at Westfield exceeded those traditionally considered 'feminine' subjects. Students were challenged by academically rigorous subjects, including Greek, Latin, Mathematics and Botany. The initial public reaction to the College was mixed. Nevertheless, the profile of Westfield grew as did student numbers.