‘The best room in College’

Mansfield has been a home-from-home for generations of students. The BBC’s Climate Editor and Mansfield alum, Justin Rowlatt (PPE, 1984), recently returned to his old College room and met its current occupant, Elizabeth Drummond, Supernumerary Fellow, Stipendiary Lecturer in Law, and Tutor for Women. Here, they reflect on how the room has evolved while remaining a space that holds cherished memories.

Eleanor Hutson Alumni Relations Officer

‘It’s nice to be back,’ Justin Rowlatt remarks, surveying the room at the top of the tower, now belonging to Elizabeth Drummond. ‘I remember this place really fondly – the amazing views. Why wouldn’t you want a fantastic view of the Oxford skyline?’

While the room might seem impractical to some, given the many stairs to climb, for others it’s a hidden gem, away from the hustle and bustle. ‘I love it up here,’ Elizabeth says, ‘It’s so quiet, and perfect for tutorials.’

‘This was not a desirable room at the time,’ Justin responds, ‘I was actually assigned a room in the main block, but I overheard someone in the Dining Hall complaining about their draughty tower room. I thought “that sounds fantastic”, so I offered to swap, and they happily agreed.’

Elizabeth’s office, now adorned with plants, thank you cards from students and other personal touches, has changed quite a bit since Justin’s time. ‘It was simpler back then,’ Justin recalls, ‘but I brought a few things from home – a Breville sandwich maker, which I used to make cheese and onion sandwiches.’

Admiring the revamp, Justin notes that the small windows are still the same. ‘My bed was under the window, which I’d have open as you have. I remember one winter morning waking up surrounded by snow because it had snowed in on me.’

One impracticality that remains is the lack of running water. ‘I have to go to the SCR kitchen,’ Elizabeth mentions. ‘I always joke that I do have hot and cold running water up here, but I have to do the running.’

Despite its quirks, both Justin and Elizabeth embrace the charm of the tower room. For Justin, it was a sanctuary that shaped his student experience, while for Elizabeth, it’s a peaceful retreat amid the demands of academic life. Their shared affection for the space underscores its lasting significance as a cherished part of Mansfield’s history.