Royal Holloway was formed from two colleges, founded by Victorian social pioneers, Elizabeth Reid and Thomas Holloway. They were among the first places in Britain where women could access higher education. Bedford College, in London, opened in 1849, and Royal Holloway College's stunning Founder's Building, in Egham, was unveiled by Queen Victoria in 1886. In 1900, the colleges became part of the University of London and in 1985 they merged to form what is now known as Royal Holloway, University of London.