Dame Mary Berry
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One of BSU’s most famous alumni turns 90
Tuesday, 25 March, 2025National treasure Dame Mary Berry CBE celebrated her 90th birthday this week, but did you know she has many links with Bath Spa University and is in fact one of our most famous alumni?
Mary Berry is now one of the UK's best-known and respected cooks. Treasured as a friendly face on TV cooking programmes and cookbooks alike, she famously grew up in the city of Bath, and it’s in her teenage years that our shared story begins.
Studying at a predecessor college to today’s BSU
After showing an undeniable aptitude for home economics at school, Mary trained in catering at Bath College of Domestic Science - a predecessor to today’s Bath Spa University.
But how is it linked? When Mary studied at the College from 1953 to 1955, it was soon to take residence at what is now the University’s Sion Hill campus. Some years later, the College joined forces with Newton Park Teacher Training College to become Bath College of Higher Education. Going from strength to strength, in the 1990s the College was granted degree-awarding powers and adopted the name Bath Spa University College, before the grant of university status in 2005 saw it become the Bath Spa University of today.
Mary completed her time at Bath College of Domestic Science and went on to be classically trained in a Paris Cordon Bleu course.
An extraordinary career so far
With humble notoriety, Dame Mary Berry now welcomes huge audiences along in baking and enjoying her culinary delights.
Since her first cookery book was published in 1970, Mary has shared her prized recipes and cookery tips and tricks in more than 80 books. But she didn’t stop at selling more than six million copies, she has also hosted several television series, including, perhaps most notably, appearing as a judge on the BBC show 'The Great British Bake Off'.
Becoming an Honorary Doctor of Letters
In recognition of her achievements and her extraordinary contribution to cookery, on Friday 20 July 2012 BSU welcomed her back with open arms to award her an Honorary Doctorate of Letters.
Commenting on her award at the time, Mary said:
“I am immensely proud to be given an honorary degree from Bath Spa University. My school days in Bath were fun, but I didn’t leave with flying colours so this is a real honour and surprise! Bath College of Domestic Science were wonderful times for me and gave me a footing for my career.”
This prestigious award is a testament to Dame Mary Berry’s influence and legacy in the culinary world, inspiring future generations of chefs and home cooks alike.
As BSU steps into its 20th year of university status, it brings with it a history that goes back much further and has touched the lives of many people that have gone on to do great things.
Happy Birthday Dame Mary Berry, from everyone at BSU!