History of Manor Hall and its Annexes

Manor Hall consists of the main building and its annexes, Manor House, Richmond House, Sinclair House, and, a few minutes’ walk away, 30-35 Richmond Terrace and 115 Queen's Road.

Manor House came to the University in 1919 through the generosity of Sir George Wills (1st Bart.), and was furnished partly from funds raised by concerts given by the famous Bristol contralto, Dame Clara
Butt

Richmond House is one of the oldest houses in Clifton, built between 1701-1703 on the site of the medieval manor house burned during the Civil War, which had once been the home of Richard ap Merrick.

Sinclair House was built partly on the site of Holland Cottage, destroyed during the German air raids of November 1940.

Originally a row of spacious town houses, 30-35 Richmond Terrace was a hotel prior before being acquired by the University.

115 Queen’s Road is a small residence with the benefit of sharing the facilities at nearby Manor Hall.

The main gardens of Manor Hall were laid out in a symmetrical fashion by Dr Hiatt Cowles Baker (1864-1934), a Pro Chancellor of the University in 1934, a fact commemorated by an ornamental bird bath in the centre of the main lawn.