Cromwell College was conceived in 1950 by a group of Christian leaders from the Congregational Churches in Queensland. The inspiration for the college stemmed from their commitment to fostering academic excellence and personal growth in a faith-based environment. A generous donation of approximately £40,000 (equivalent to $2 million today) from Mr. V.E. Hancock and his wife, Mary, played a pivotal role in turning this vision into reality. The couple, along with other members of the Hancock family, remained deeply involved in the college's development and are remembered with gratitude.
The decision to establish Cromwell College was finalized on April 28, 1950. Under the leadership of the Foundation Principal, Rev. G. Lindsay Lockley, and the first Board of Governors, the college began its journey of service and education.
The college was named in honour of Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Cromwell was chosen for his historical significance as a reformer and Congregational churchman who embodied faith, service, and leadership. His motto, Pax quaeritur bello ("Peace is sought through war"), was replaced with Ubi spiritus ibi libertas ("Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Liberty") to better reflect the founders' aspirations.
Cromwell College became the first residential college on the University of Queensland's St Lucia campus when it opened its doors on June 5, 1954. Initially established as a men’s college, it transitioned to a coeducational institution in 1973. Over the decades, Cromwell has expanded its facilities to include multiple buildings named after influential figures in its history—such as Thatcher Wing and Hancock Wing – and has maintained a focus on fostering community and academic excellence.
The college's coat of arms features a lion argent rampant on a field sable, symbolizing its connection to Oliver Cromwell’s legacy. The motto Ubi spiritus ibi libertas underscores its commitment to liberty through spiritual and intellectual growth.
For over 70 years, Cromwell College has been dedicated to nurturing well-rounded individuals through its supportive community, academic programs, and extracurricular activities. Its history is not merely about buildings or milestones but about the people who have shaped it—students, staff, alumni, and benefactors—whose contributions continue to define its enduring legacy.
The College has seen just seven Principals in seventy years. Three of these (Lockley, Krohn and Begbie) together served for fifty-three years.
Rev Dr G Lindsay Lockley, MA, BD, PhD
1950 – 1969
Rev Alex Steele-Craik, LLB, BD
1970 – 1972
Dr John F C Roulston, BEd, MLitt, MEdAdmin, PhD
1973 – 1975
Rev Dr H Clive Krohn, BA, MA, EdD
1975 – 1995
Rev Dr Hugh M Begbie, BA, BD, ThL, MLitt, DMin
1995 – 2010
Mr Ross A Switzer, M.Ed, B.Ed.St, Dip.T.
2010 – 2021
Mr Simon Armstrong, M.Ed, B.Ed, Dip.T.
2021 –
North Wing (1954) Named after Rev. Frederick North, Principal of Queensland Congregational Theological College from 1917 to 1927, the North Wing was one of the original buildings of Cromwell College.
Thatcher Wing (1954) This wing honours Rev. Dr. G.W. Thatcher, a former Warden of Camden Theological College in New South Wales.
Dowling Wing (1962) Named after Rev. F.V. Dowling, a Congregational Minister who served in Western Australia, New South Wales, Tasmania, and Queensland between 1898 and 1930,
Hancock Wing (1968) Dedicated to Mr. V.E. Hancock CMG, the original benefactor of Cromwell College, this wing is divided into two sections affectionately known as "Han" and "Cock." The Hancock family has played a significant role in the establishment and legacy of Cromwell College.
Steele-Craik Lodge This lodge was named after Rev. Alexander Steele-Craik, Vice Principal from 1967–1970 and Cromwell's second Principal (1970–1972). The upstairs area is home to the Deputy Principal and their family, while deluxe ensuited rooms for male or female students are located downstairs.
Lockley Wing (1984) Previously known as the Domestic Wing and later the Carmody Wing, it was renamed in honour of Rev. G. Lindsay Lockley, Cromwell's Foundation Principal (1950–1969). Rebuilt internally in 1984, Lockley offers deluxe ensuited rooms for males or females above the ground floor.
Begbie Wing (2011) Opened in 2011, this wing is named after Rev. Dr. H.M. Begbie, Cromwell's fifth Principal (1995–2010). Begbie is a coeducational facility featuring two- and four-bedroom pods across three floors.
Campus Lodge (1998) Comprising two small towers—Jarvis Tower and Bishop Tower—Campus Lodge offers self-contained two- and four-bedroom units for students seeking independent living arrangements. Jarvis Tower is named after Miss Lenore Jarvis, Cromwell’s Foundation Secretary, while Bishop Tower honours Mr. Ken Bishop, a long-serving Board Governor and former Chairman of the Board of Governors.
The Cromwell Chapel Windows were given over a period of seven years by Mrs Mary McLean Hancock, O.B.E. as a memorial to her husband, the late V.E. Hancock, C.M.G. Find out more
