Roger Williams Hall on Bates College campus was built in 1894 by architect Elmer I. Thomas of Lewiston, for the use of the Cobb Divinity School. Funds for the building were given by Deacon L.W. Anthony in memory of Mrs. Britannia Anthony, a lineal descendant of Roger Williams. Among other uses, it housed a chapel and library.

When the school closed in 1908, Bates College assumed it and used it as a dormitory and to house administrative offices, according to information provided by the college.

Often referred to as “Roger Bill,” “The Monastery” or, most often these days, “The Bill,” it became a full dormitory around 1964 when Lane Hall was built to house administrative offices. 

In 2008, the building, which is on Alumni Walk near Garcelon Field and the college’s new commons, faced demolition, but was saved after vocal opposition arose from alumni and staff.

In 2010, both Roger Williams Hall and Hedge Hall were transformed to host nearly all of the college’s language programs and resources, including academic programs, the Language Resource Center and the Off-Campus Study Office. The $15 million transformation included a 6,819-square-foot addition to “The Bill,” which was completed in 2011, and can be seen to the right of the main building in the updated photo.