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The first of the colleges to be built at the University of York, the college was opened by the Queen in 1965. Derwent is situated at the head of the lake on Heslington West campus next to Heslington Hall. The college originally consisted of three CLASP accommodation blocks (A, B and C) although D was quickly added later. The nucleus comprised the bar and porters' lodge along with several academic departments (Philosophy and Politics) and originally guest accommodation, but this has since been converted to additional office space. Derwent later gained additional accommodation in Eden's Court, situated across Heslington Lane close to the present-day Halifax College. Consisting of eight houses (typically around 10 rooms in each) along with two cottages (Eden and Sycamore). In the late 1990s Derwent expanded across University Road and built on part of the existing car park and garaging located next to Heslington Church fields. Derwent got two of the four accommodation blocks (becoming E & F). The other two blocks were given to Langwith College resulting in the four blocks being commonly referred to as Derwith.
Following the departure of Langwith College to Heslington East, all the former Langwith buildings were reallocated to Derwent College. Langwith E & F blocks (part of 'Derwith') became G and H blocks, with the Langwith A, B, C & D blocks becoming J, K, M & P blocks. The former Langwith College nucleus became Derwent L Block (with a nod to its former life, and conveniently removing any need to relabel the rooms), and resulting in the college now having two bars and dining halls.

In 2018, the CLASP buildings of the college became Grade II listed: Link

Created: Sun, 15 Nov 2009, Updated: Fri, 28 Sep 2018