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Special Collections & Archives: Buildings of the University of Liverpoolaccredited archive service logo

SC&A includes manuscripts and archives, medieval to modern; early and finely printed books, and science fiction collections.

History of the buildings of the University and its predecessor, University College Liverpool

Illustration of the view of the Gateway to the Quadrangle, 1928, from The SphinxWhen University College Liverpool was founded in 1881 it was based in a building which had previously been used as a lunatic asylum. The first building which was purpose built for the College was the Walker Engineering Laboratory which was formally opened in November 1889 followed by the Victoria Building completed in 1892. Today the University of Liverpool has more than 50 departments and schools, off campus sites such as Leahurst Veterinary field station and a number of Halls of Residence.

During the course of the expansion of the University many new buildings and existing buildings around the campus have become part of the University. This includes all of Abercromby Square, a magnificent Georgian Square which boasts some wonderful buildings. Some of the new buildings in the University campus have been designed by architects associated with the University, such as Reilly's Guild and School of Architecture buildings.

Find out more about the Victoria Building.