Wessex Lane Halls - Connaught Hall

Connaught Hall

Connaught Hall is one of the University's original halls of residence, purpose built in 1931 for what was then the Hartley Institution. That original building, now known as the "Old Quad", was added to in 1964 (the same year the dining hall, kitchens and 17-storey tower were added to South Stoneham House) forming the "New Quad" and bringing the number of rooms to 315. Today the accommodation is primarily used by first year undergraduate students who live in the hall for one year only, but originally it was open to a wider range of University members; for example a professor of mathematics, Harold Ruse, lived in Connaught for nine years, from 1937 to 1946.

The two "quads" consist of blocks of rooms arranged into squares with scenic gardens in the centres. The Old Quad is of traditional design in the neo-Georgian architecture style and contains study bedrooms grouped around staircases and most of the communal JCR facilities. The New Quad contains the reception area and main building, the Galley Restaurant and the majority of study bedrooms. The Hall is set in a wooded grounds overlooking Monks Brook.

Facilities on offer within Connaught in addition to those at Montefiore halls include a large common room (larger than that at Glen Eyre), the largest ratio of space to number of residents within the University, computer room, library, music room, snooker room, a restaurant which provides part-catering for residents, gym, TV room, bar, BBQ area and laundry room.