Named after Mary Somerville (1780 - 1872)

She was considered one of the leading 19th century scientists, studying maths and astronomy at a time when women were discouraged to do so. She was nominated to be jointly the first female member of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Somerville was founded to include the excluded. It welcomed women when they were barred from the University and was the first non-denominational College in Oxford. Now as a College for women and men it remains as true as ever to those founding principles.