The University Years: celebrating 125 years of University of Birmingham

2025 marks a milestone for University of Birmingham: 125 years of research, learning and driving change since Queen Victoria granted the Royal Charter in 1900. Winterbourne – built close by in 1903 – is intrinsically entwined with the University’s history.

From celebrating our arts-and-crafts heritage, to our commitment to horticulture education, Winterbourne continues to build on its long-standing connection to the University.

Winterbourne’s final private owner, John Nicolson, bequeathed the house and garden to University of Birmingham with one request: that the garden was to be preserved. As Winterbourne’s role within the University has changed and evolved throughout its long history, the preservation of the garden’s arts and crafts influences has remained a priority.

When the University first took possession of Winterbourne, the garden came under the care of the Department of Botany. Once used to grow food for the Nettlefold family, and now a much-loved haven for Winterbourne visitors, the Walled Garden was replanted for teaching purposes.

With the garden a hub for research, the house became an annex to University House, providing accommodation for female students. As is still the case today, the gardens were also used as a place for students to relax and study.

Later in the 20^th century, the house became a teaching facility, used by several departments, including the Department of Extra Mural Studies and Lifelong Learning who offered courses to the local community. Building on this history, Winterbourne is now home to the Centre for Horticulture, hosting accredited horticulture courses, as well as arts-and-crafts workshops.

The renewal and restoration of this special place over recent decades has transformed Winterbourne into the beloved heritage attraction that it is today, and our long-entwined history with the University remains a driving force behind what we do.

To celebrate the University’s 125^th anniversary, we’ll be exploring 125 ‘Wonders of Winterbourne’ over the next 12 months, unpacking Winterbourne’s rich history, and highlighting all the intriguing things you can discover and events you can take part in.  Next time you visit make sure you pick up a copy of our Spring/Summer 2025 What’s On guide to find out more about some of the ways you can get involved.