State-of-the-art Hawking Building science facility

Dr Jane Hawking unveils plaque at her former husband’s alma mater which names building in his honour

St Albans School was visited by Dr Jane Hawking, the former wife of school alumnus, Professor Stephen Hawking CH, CBE, FRS, FRSA, to name its new state-of-the-art science facility in his honour.

The Hawking Building, as it will now be known, houses the Science Department with dedicated physics, biology and chemistry labs and prep rooms, new facilities for Computer Science and teaching rooms that have been completely refurbished. In addition, the building houses a telescope that belonged to Professor Hawking, kindly donated to the Astronomy Club by the family.

Dr Jane Hawking unveiled the plaque after receiving a tour of the site led by the Headmaster along with Dr Hawking’s husband, Mr Jonathan Hellyer Jones. As well as visiting the upgraded facilities, there was a demonstration of the telescope and a display of artefacts from the School’s Archive relating to her former husband.

Dr Jane Hawking said:

“Science was obviously hugely important to Stephen in his schooldays, and it is an honour to see his legacy continued at his former school. Science has progressed so far in recent decades, and The Hawking Building gives students access to top-quality facilities that will encourage the next generation of brilliant minds.”

Jonathan Gillespie, Headmaster of St Albans School, said:

“I’d like to thank Dr Hawking for naming our new facilities, and the donors whose generosity funded this project. The new labs and equipment will enable us to continue delivering the highest levels of science education. Professor Hawking is one of our most famous alumni, and it is a pleasure to commemorate his inspirational legacy to the School in this way.”