Founder's Building

The Founder's Building is a red-brick structure featuring two large quadrangles and distinctive towers, with architectural details inspired by Loire Valley chateaus. Inside, it houses residences for students alongside a chapel, dining hall, lecture theater, and library reading room.

Construction began in 1874 and finished in 1881, followed by Queen Victoria's attendance at the official opening in 1886. This ceremonial event marked the building's establishment as the university's flagship structure and shaped the campus for decades to come.

The Picture Gallery inside displays around 70 Victorian paintings that reflect the artistic tastes of the era when the building was created. Walking through these rooms, you see how people of that time surrounded themselves with art and valued visual beauty.

The building houses over 550 students and is best explored during daylight to fully appreciate the architectural details. Plan to spend time walking through its different areas and quadrangles, as the full scale and layout become clear as you move through the spaces.

The building has served as a filming location for well-known television series and films including Downton Abbey and Avengers: Age of Ultron. These productions have introduced its striking architecture to audiences around the world.

Location: Runnymede

Inception: 1881

Architects: William Henry Crossland

Architectural style: Renaissance Revival architecture

Part of: Royal Holloway, University of London

GPS coordinates: 51.42470,-0.56667

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:43