Wantage Hall

Wantage Hall is a hall of residence at the University of Reading, completed in 1908. It was designed in the Neo-Tudor style by Charles Steward Smith, a Reading-based architect, and was commissioned and endowed by Lady Wantage. A 1970s addition known as New Court, designed by Peter Ednie & Partners, extends to the north but is not of special architectural interest.

The building is constructed in red brick laid in English Bond with stone dressings and tiled roofs. It is planned around a quadrangle known as 'Old Court', largely of two storeys but with an additional basement level in the northern half to accommodate the sloping site. The roof is mostly double pitched with a central concealed valley. A three-storey crenellated clock tower with stone dressings and gargoyle corbels dominates the south elevation on Upper Redlands Road, serving as the main entrance gate with a large Tudor arched gateway in stone, carved spandrels, and paired solid panelled gates. Polygonal stair towers mark each corner of the quadrangle.

The principal south-facing façade features two storeys under a pitched tiled roof with pairs of gabled bays at the south-west and south-east corners. Windows are leaded casements with stone surrounds and moulded drip-moulds; those to the ground floor are conjoined to form a narrow string course. Rainwater hoppers are decorated with a 'W' for 'Wantage'. The central clock tower rises three storeys with stone string courses between floors and gargoyle corbels supporting the machicolation. A handsome canted oriel window lights the first floor. Similar but more decorative features distinguish the quadrangle elevations. The west and east ranges display prominent projecting chimney stacks with clustered pots, stone dressings and diaper work decoration that divide the elevations. Entrance bays are marked by Flemish gables with carved stone coats of arms and banded diaper work detailing.

The two-storey dining room range to the north is the most visually dominant feature, comprising a symmetrical range of three bays, all with gables and decorated with diaper work. Large mullion and transom windows contain leaded lights and some coloured glass. The central bay features a decorative canted oriel with a Flemish gable topped with a carved stone finial, beneath which is the foundation stone. A carved sundial was added to the oriel in the 1980s, inscribed to the memory of Sydney Taylor.

The interior arrangement varies according to function, with principal spaces being more decorative than student accommodation, service areas, or circulation spaces. Student accommodation comprises small study bedrooms, largely in the west and east ranges, arranged either side of central corridors on the ground and first floors. Each bedroom contains a fireplace (some now blocked) with a wooden mantle and original picture rails. Elongated doors are replicas of the originals, modified for fire prevention requirements. Corridors and staircases have exposed red brick walls. The main staircase ascending to the Dining Hall features a solid brick balustrade topped with a moulded stone banister and terminating in a carved stone newel, with Tudor arches and stone mouldings employed throughout.

The former Principal's lodgings, now the Warden's study in the south-east corner, contain stone fireplaces decorated with the University's shell motif and original panelling. The present Warden's study, originally the parlour of the Principal's lodgings, retains its original fireplace with timber surround, decorative mantle, and glazed green tiles. Wallpaper in a green leaf design may be original Morris & Co. work.

The Dining Hall is the most impressive interior space, featuring a solid timber hammer-beam roof with attractive curved braces. Original wooden and metal chandeliers hang from the ceiling. Panelling rises to picture rail level with a carved door surround. Windows contain coloured glass shields and crests. A large open fireplace with stone Tudor surround and carved spandrels dominates one wall, flanked by substantial decorative carved timber fire surround and overmantle including carved human heads, shells and a Latin inscription.

Red brick walls and railings line Redlands Road and Upper Redlands Road.

Wantage Hall was constructed early in the University of Reading's history. Although a School of Art was established at Reading in 1860 and a School of Science in 1870, Reading was not founded as a University Extension College (under University of Oxford patronage) until 1892, becoming a University in its own right by Royal Charter in 1926. Wantage Hall, designed in 1906 and opened in 1908, is believed to have been the first purpose-built hall of residence erected after the historic Oxford and Cambridge colleges. It was the gift of Harriet, Lady Wantage (1837-1920), a wealthy local benefactress. Lady Wantage and her husband, Baron Wantage, owned Lockinge House near Wantage and held considerable land holdings in Berkshire. They were artistic connoisseurs, patrons, and were heavily involved with the British Red Cross Society. Following Baron Wantage's death in 1901, when he was the University's first president, Lady Wantage served as vice-president and live governor. She donated nearly £150,000 to the University, including the building and endowment of Wantage Hall as a men's hall of residence and £50,000 to an endowment fund in 1911. She was also a benefactor of the Royal Berkshire Hospital and the first woman to receive the freedom of the Borough of Reading.

During the First World War, Wantage Hall was used by the Royal Flying Corps School of Instruction to train instructors for the increasing numbers of RFC squadrons required. Classes were held in the building, and practical training took place along Upper Redlands Road where old fuselages were suspended in the trees.

The hall was extended in 1970 with New Court, an addition to the north designed by Peter Ednie & Partners. Wantage Hall remains in use as a fully catered residential hall accommodating approximately 245 students.