The History of Names at Warwick
The people behind the places
The Normington Theatre is in honour of Sir David Normington's extensive service to Warwick over many years. He is the Chair of Council and Pro-Chancellor, awarded the Chancellor's medal 2025.
The Butterworth Hall, after Jack Butterworth, the first VC to the new University of Warwick in 1963. He established Warwick’s academic and financial foundations and generated essential initial income.
The Benefactor's Building, and also the Helen Martin Studio after the 'Benefactor' who with family income established a substantial trust fund that enabled many University buildings and facilities to be built.
The Ramphal Building for Sir Shridath "Sonny" Ramphal, Warwick's third Chancellor. He held high positions between the Guyana and UK govs, was knighted and conferred with numerous honours.
In recognition of Lord Bhattacharyya in the establishment of WMG, and its impact on the region and JLR, the NAIC building is also the Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya Building.
Lord Leslie George Scarman, the University’s second Chancellor, lends his name to Scarman House. A decorated Law Lord, awarded an OBE and the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws in 1974.
The University’s first Chancellor, Lord Cyril Radcliffe and Law Lord, best known for his role in the Partition of India. The Radcliffe Conference Centre on Scarman Road is named after him.
Sir Christopher Zeeman, a British mathematician founded the Maths Dept and Maths Research Centre in 1964. In 2005, the new Maths and Stats building was named the Zeeman Building in his honour.
The Marsh Observatory honours Professor Tom Marsh, a founder of the Astronomy and Astro-physics group, and world expert. in 2018 Tom won the Royal Astronomical Society’s Herschel Medal
Jack Martin Residences. Jack and sister Helen inherited Heublein that later went on to buy Smirnoff. With the family income they created a foundation creating many new Uni buildings and facilities.
William Rootes, GBE, motor manufacturer. As the leader of Britain's export drive, he chaired Warwick's founding committee to link academia to industry. Rootes Social Building/residences are named after him.
Sir Arthur Vick, Pro-Chancellor 1977-1992. HIs career included war-time research on bomb fuses, and Director of the Atomic Energy Research Centre. Knighted in 1973 for services to HE.
Prince Philip Building on Wellesbourne in 1959, housed research labs, library, lecture hall & offices. Prince Philip is walking to the greenhouses with Dr James Philp, Director, and David Lowe, Chair of Govs.
John Bleasdale, CBE, CBiol, FIBiol, FIHort gives his name to the Bleasdale Building. A distinguished biologist, he received many honours and was Pres of the Assoc of Applied Biologists and Inst of Horticulture.
Terry Pyrce Building. Terry was instrumental in the formation of Warwick HRI at Wellesbourne. Terry helped solidify the University having a leading role in crop research and related sciences.
The David Lowe Building, added to the south-west wing of the Prince Philip Building to provide additional lab and office space. He was Chair of the Gov body at the Research Station.
The Elizabeth Creak Horticultural Technology Centre (ECHTC), a £1.5m facility researching crop resilience. Funded by donations from the Elizabeth Creak Charitable Trust and Brewster estate.
The Bluebell Residences are named after the the woods behind the residences. Bluebell also backs on to a leafy nature reserve and residents can enjoy the views and green space.
Cryfield has local historical importance. Cryfield Grange Farm was an original farm on the University site. Cryfield also lends its name to the cottages, residential buildings and Cryfield village development.
Claycroft a residential building named after the local clay workings (a Roman site near the lakes). Set around courtyards and landscaped green spaces, Claycroft is situated, on the edge of central campus.
Residences were built on the site of Tocil House Farm, an original farm on site. Tocil residences are on central campus, set in naturally green surroundings, near the Tocil Wood Nature Reserve.
Riley Court is named after Sir William Riley & Riley Motors. Riley, local car & bicycle manufacturer. Riley became part of Nuffield Organization in 1938 then later merged into British Leyland in 1968.
Lord Bhattacharyya Way, from the Scarman roundabout to the Lord Bhattacharyya Building honours Professor Lord Bhattacharyya's significant contribution to WMG, and the global automotive industry.
Scarman Road, after Sir Robert Scarman, a prominent British judge and a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary. It is named in recognition of his contribution to both the legal profession and service to country.
Sir William Lyons Road in Coventry after Sir William Lyons, co-founder of Jaguar. It honours his significant role in the development of the Jaguar brand and his contributions to the city's automotive heritage.
Leighfied Road, opposite Bluebell residences, on the south/east side of campus, off Gibbet Hill Road.
was named in recognition of the contribution of former Pro-Chancellor, John Leighfield CBE.
Brian Woods-Scawen, University Treasurer, Chair of Audit Committee, Chair of the Arts Fac Advisory Board.. Awarded CBE for services to business and the Chancellors Medal in 2012.
Helen Martin was a most generous benefactor, who also established a trust fund providing money for many buildings and projects including the Warwick Arts Centre. Helen was a regular patron of WAC.
Built in 1986, the Mead Gallery in the Warwick Arts Centre was named after Phil Mead (Helen Martin’s accountant). It was on Phil's initiative that the Trust provided recurrent support for this important project.
Yesu Persaud Centre for Caribbean Studies & Yesu Persuad Lecture Theatre in honour of Yesu's donations. A leading Guyanese business-man/philanthropist advocating human rights & democracy.
Frank Whittle, a Coventry born engineering genius was how the aircraft jet engine became a reality. He changed the course of aviation history and hence the lives of millions around the world.
Quinton Hazell Wing is after the iconic businessman. Known for his views on British industry and decline of manufacturing. Chair of the Planning Council, Dep Lieut of Warwickshire, CBE and then later knighted.
The Wolfson Wing at WMS, in recognition of funding from the Wolfson Foundation trust. £1m towards Clinical Trials Unit and the Library's Research Exchange, boosting medical research capabilities.
Find out more
More detail of the history behind our people and places
Specific information about buildings and persons can also be obtained from:
the Modern Records Centre Archives - and the Estates dept estatesinfoenq@warwick.ac.uk