A garden to remember
We want to create a Remembrance Garden to celebrate and honour the Somervillian women who served during WW1 and WW2.
The south-eastern border in the main quad by Maitland is overgrown and in urgent need of attention. This neglected area is not only visually unappealing but also represents an underutilised opportunity to contribute to the growing biodiversity within Somerville. The recent removal of diseased trees near the border, while necessary, has further diminished the ecological value of the space and eliminated important habitats for wildlife.
Our ambition is to rejuvenate the border by transforming it into a dual-purpose space that both enhances Somerville's biodiversity efforts and serves as a memorial to the remarkable women in the College who heroically served during critical periods in history.
In creating the Garden, we are committed to using sustainable and ethically sourced plants that are both resilient and water-efficient, making them well-suited to withstand our changing climate. We will replant the lost trees - and more - to enrich the landscape as well as introduce a small pond, the single most impactful feature for enhancing biodiversity.
In commemoration and honour of the extraordinary women who supported the war effort, there will be features in the garden to tell their stories and to allow others to learn of their contributions, resilience, and impact.
Somerville and the war effort
Women from Somerville made remarkable contributions to the war efforts during both World Wars, serving in medicine, intelligence, and resistance work.
Somerville was transformed into a military hospital during WW1 which was staffed by students and alumnae. Vera Brittain was a VAD nurse and later wrote Testament of Youth, a powerful memoir reflecting the profound impact of the war on her generation.
Somerville women were once again at the forefront during WW2. Doreen Warriner became a prominent figure in the rescue of refugees from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia. She saved countless lives, particularly those of political dissidents and Jewish refugees.
Audrey Withers was editor of Vogue magazine during the war where she used the platform to raise morale, commissioning photos and articles that reflected resilience and strength of women during conflict.
Principal Janet Vaughan played a critical role in organising blood banks, helping to set up a national blood bank transfusion service. Her work ensured that blood supplies were available to civilians and soldiers alike.
Pioneering British aviator Marion Wilberforce was one of the few female pilots in the Air Transport Auxiliary. Wilberforce ferried various aircraft - ranging from Spitfires to heavy bombers - between factories, maintenance units and front-line squadrons. Her skills enabled the rapid movement of aircraft without requiring male combat pilots.
Principal Daphne Park served as an intelligence officer for the Special Operations Executive. She engaged in clandestine activities in occupied territories, gathering intelligence, and supporting resistance movements.
Pat Owtram served in the Women's Royal Naval Service during WW2 as a codebreaker. She intercepted and deciphered German communications, contribution to the wider efforts of Bletchley Park in breaking enemy codes.
Recruited into the WRNS, Marigold Freeman-Attwood worked at Bletchley Park from August 1943 until the end of the War. She worked on Colossus, receiving the enemy's coded messages. Her service was finally commended in a letter from the Prime Minister.
How you can help
To create a commemorative garden for all the extraordinary Somervillians who supported the war effort, and one that nurtures a thriving habitat for local wildlife and supports Somerville's sustainability efforts, we need to raise £20,000.
Please make a gift to make this garden a reality.
You can make a real difference to the grounds at Somerville and ensure that we remember these extraordinary Somervillian women.
Giving from the U.S? Donate here. Please add 'Memorial Garden' in the 'Further Information' section.
Get involved
Do you have a story about a Somervillian family member who made a significant contribution during the two World Wars which you would like remembered?
We're keen to hear stories about the Somerville women who contributed their energies and intellect, often behind the scenes, all over the world. Please contact development.office@some.ox.ac.uk to share your story.
You can read more about the significant contributions made by five Somervillians during World War Two here.