1907
St Anselm Hall is founded
The Revered Thomas Allworthy founds St Anselm Hall at a house in Newton Heath. The institution is originally a seminary for training priests.
1914
St Anselm Hall moves to the current site
Allworthy and students move again - now to Kent Road. The house they move into has now been incorporated into the current hall.
1921
The Hall is acquired by the Church of England
The Revered Chevassut reopens the Hall.
1924
The first Hall Play is performed
Many of the traditions still alive in the Hall today date from the inter-war years.
1910
St Anselm Hall moves to Dickinson Road
The house at Newton Heath becomes too small for the number of students. Allworthy and the students move to a larger house on Dickinson Road.
1915 - 20
St Anselm Hall closes temporarily
Large numbers of men going to war means the Hall must close.
May 1921
St Anselm Hall merges with Brassey Hall
The Hall becomes open to more students.
1927
Dewar wing is constructed
The opening of Dewar wing, named after the then Warden Lindsay Dewar, expands the Hall's capacity.
1948
Revival of the Hall
The Revered Ronald Preston takes over the Wardenship and revives a number of hall traditions, such as the hall play and the Annual Old Boys (now Alumni Association) Reunion. These had been cancelled at the outbreak of the hostilities.
1958 - 60
The Hall is developed
Construction of Manor and Summerfield wings begins, as does the building of the Warden's house (now the Lodge) and the dining room.
2018
The last Warden leaves St Anselm Hall
The University abolishes the Warden position.
2021
The Hall reopens to students
A small number of returning students (seven, an all time low) bring the hall back to life and ensure the traditions and values continue.
2020
The Hall closes due to
COVID-19
The Hall closes for the 2020-21 academic year, but reopens after lobbying from the Slems in Exile Society and the Alumni Association.
1956
The Hall is sold to the University
Financial difficulties lead to the sale of the Hall to the University of Manchester, in whose possession it remains.
1974
The Cellar Club is established
The student-run bar was founded in the room under the Closed JCR, now the Snooker Room.
1992
Establishment of Canterbury Court
A new, self-catered Hall is built across the road. The new Canterbury Court students develop a close relationship with the St Anselm Hall students.
1996
Fire at St Anselm Hall
A devastating fire guts two thirds of the Hall. A major building programme over the summer ensures its restoration ahead of the arrival of new students in the Autumn term.
1991
The Cellar Club relocates
The bar moves to its current location under the dining room.
1961
Construction of the Chapel
The Chapel is built from designs by architect Harry S. Fairhurst.
1939 - 45
The Hall survives WWII
The Revered Joe Inglis becomes Warden during the War years and ensures the Hall's survival. The cellars are turned into an air raid shelter. See here for archives of the Fallen Anselmians.
1928
Formal dinner is established
Under the Wardenship of Duncan Armytage, the tradition of formal dinner is established. The Senior Common Room and library are also developed.
2017
Admission of female students
Female students are finally admitted to Hall, making St Anselm Hall the last hall in Britain to go from all-male to mixed.
