Site of Anchor’s Claypath Court gains blue plaque in honour of its heritage

Claypath Court in Durham was once the site of a former women’s hostel, established on 22nd April 1899 as the first residential accommodation for female students accessing higher education at Durham University. 

Recently, the site was honoured with a heritage blue plaque by the City of Durham Parish Council and unveiled by the current principal of St. Mary’s College, Professor Adrian Simpson at a special event.

The Claypath site, which later became a post office and is now a housing location became the start of what we know today as St. Mary’s College. 

This year marks the 125th anniversary of the founding of the college and the parish council has worked with St. Mary’s on this initiative. To highlight hidden gems and historical locations, the parish council has funded the production of blue plaques. Most recently, the parish council has made women’s history in the city a key focus for this initiative. 

The story of the college began in 1895 when the university senate granted degrees to women. When six female students were granted scholarships in 1897, there were no university buildings dedicated to house them. 

In 1899, the women’s hostel was established in rented accommodation at 33 Claypath, and Miss Laura Maria Roberts was appointed as principal, laying the foundation for what would become St Mary's College.

The woman’s hostel gained “college” status in 1919 and was renamed St Mary’s in 1920. Later work began to build a new college on the hill in 1947 and this opened in 1951. 

Chair of the Parish Council’s Environment Committee Coun. Carole Lattin, herself a St. Mary’s alumni, warmly welcomed the new plaque. She said:

I am thrilled that the City of Durham Parish Council has funded this blue plaque honouring the site of the former Women’s Hostel at 33 Claypath. This historic site marked the beginning of St Mary’s College and a pioneering chapter in Durham University’s history, offering women a residential opportunity for higher education equal to men. It is a tribute to the women who broke barriers and a reminder of the progress made in access to education. This plaque ensures their legacy is celebrated for generations to come.

College Principal Professor Adrian Simpson said:

We are delighted that the city has chosen to recognise the founding of St. Mary’s College and the on-going commitment of Durham University and St. Mary’s to equality, diversity and inclusion. 

Those first women who resided at 33 Claypath 125 years ago were pioneers: their stories continue to inspire us to think about how we can improve access and widen participation for under-represented groups from all areas of society.

The site of the former college now comprises 42 one and two bed retirement apartments with shared gardens for people aged 55 +.

Claypath Court resident Margaret Fox-Baldwin said:

Although Claypath Court is mainly known as the Old Post Office, it is good to have a permanent reminder of the buildings previous history.

97 year old Edwin Robinson Claypath Court resident said:

Having visited and lived in Durham city for over 70 years, I was unaware of the history of the building. My late wife Marjorie, who was from Durham, would point out places of note but I think a blue plaque will inform the awareness of present and future generations of the building’s history.

To find out more about Claypath Court, visit here.