St Hilda's College
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lady Bullard (née Margaret Stephens, PPE, 1947) on Tuesday, 4th February 2025.
A cherished member of our community, Lady Bullard’s unwavering dedication to the College and University has left an indelible mark on us all. Her generosity, notably towards the renovation of the Dining Hall, has enriched the experiences of countless students, staff, fellows and guests. In 1998, in recognition of her significant contributions to the Bodleian Library, Lady Bullard was honoured as a 'Distinguished Friend of Oxford'.
Lady Bullard’s life was intertwined with the world of diplomacy. Alongside her late husband, Sir Julian Bullard GCMG, a distinguished diplomat, she navigated postings in various countries, including Vienna, Amman, Dubai, Moscow, and Bonn during the pivotal period of reunification. In 1969, she founded the first library in what was then the Trucial States—an institution that continues today as the Old Library in Dubai.
A prolific writer, Lady Bullard co-authored a book with her husband and published two of her own: No Tennis on Sundays: A Memoir (2015) and Endangered Species: Diplomacy from the Passenger Seat (2021). The latter, a compelling account of her life as a diplomat’s wife, was described by Julie Summers as:
"A delightful read and a fascinating gallop through the second half of the 20th century seen from the point of view of a diplomat’s wife. At no stage in the book does one get the feeling that Lady Bullard was anything other than an equal to her husband as a personality. The ‘wife’ is therefore in name only. Her energy, zest for life and her intellectual curiosity all shine from the pages of this engaging memoir. She describes a world of diplomacy, travel and experiences that no longer exist in the same way today."
Beyond her diplomatic life, Lady Bullard was a woman of remarkable talent and influence. She was a skilled bookbinder, a teacher of business studies at London’s first comprehensive school for girls, and a driving force behind key initiatives at the College, including the transformation of portraiture in the Dining Hall. Her efforts in support of the Bodleian Library resulted in 43 ambitious fundraising events, securing essential resources for the institution.
Lady Bullard’s legacy is carried forward by her children: Antonia (St Hilda’s, 1973), Victoria (St Hilda’s, 1976), Andrew (James), and Robert. Her recent attendance at St Hilda’s College Founders’ Day was a testament to her enduring connection with the College, and she will be remembered as a formidable matriarch, an inspiring alumna, and a deeply valued friend.
Lady Bullard’s legacy of generosity, intellect, and warmth will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed.
