Masson Hall opened in 1897 as the first 'proper' hall of residence for women attending the

University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh ( sco, University o Edinburgh, gd, Oilthigh Dhùn Èideann; abbreviated as ''Edin.'' in post-nominals) is a public research university based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Granted a royal charter by King James VI in 15 ...

. It was established by the Edinburgh Association for the Education of University Women (EAEUW) at 31 George Square. This site is now part of the University of Edinburgh Library.

History

In the 1890s, having successfully secured women's rights to receive instruction and graduate from the University of Edinburgh, the EAUW turned its attention to women's welfare while studying. Prior to the establishment of Masson Hall, there had been two other attempts to provide women from outside Edinburgh with accommodation, both named after

Mary Crudelius Mary Crudelius (née McLean) (23 February 1839 – 24 July 1877) was a British campaigner for women's education who lived in Leith, Edinburgh in the 1860s and 1870s, and was a supporter of women's suffrage. She was a founder of the Edinburgh ...

who was the founder of EAEUW. The opening of Masson Hall followed a three-year period of fundraising and campaigning by Miss Houldsworth and Miss

Louisa Stevenson Louisa Stevenson (15 July 1835 – 13 May 1908) was a Scottish campaigner for women's university education, women's suffrage and effective, well-organised nursing. Family Stevenson was born at Glasgow, the daughter of Jane Stewart Shannan, ...

who were active members of the EAEUW. Masson Hall was formally opened by Miss Balfour of Whittinghame on 24 November 1897. Among the distinguished guests was Professor Masson, after whom the Hall was named. The first warden was Dr

Frances Simson Frances Helen Simson (1854–1938) was a Scottish suffragist, campaigner for women's higher education and one of the first of eight women graduates from the University of Edinburgh in 1893. Early life Simpson was born in Edinburgh 2 April 1854. ...

, who remained in that post for over 20 years. She was one of the first eight Edinburgh women graduates. When the site was redeveloped in 1964, Masson Hall moved to 2 South Lauder Road, which it is now a

listed building In the United Kingdom, a listed building or listed structure is one that has been placed on one of the four statutory lists maintained by Historic England in England, Historic Environment Scotland in Scotland, in Wales, and the Northern Irel ...

. Masson Hall closed in 1994. Professor Masson's name continues to be remembered through Masson House, which is a three-star hotel rather than student accommodation. The modern Masson House is situated in the university's

Pollock Halls of Residence Pollock Halls of Residence is the largest halls of residence for the University of Edinburgh, located in St Leonard's, Edinburgh, Scotland, near the foot of Arthur's Seat. The complex of buildings houses more than 2,000 undergraduate students ...

References

{{reflist Buildings and structures of the University of Edinburgh