All Souls College is one of the colleges at the University of Oxford, but it’s a bit different from the others. Founded by King Henry VI, this college stands out because it doesn’t have any undergraduate students—just fellows, who are basically the members of the college. What’s unique about All Souls is that every member is automatically a fellow, which means they’re all part of the college’s governing body, making decisions about how things are run.
Sir Christopher Wren was a fellow from 1653, and in 1658 produced a sundial for the college. For over five hundred years All Souls College admitted only men; women were first allowed to join the college as fellows in 1979. Today, All Souls College is a small, exclusive group, known for being a place for some of the brightest minds in academia.
A Short History of All Souls College
All Souls College has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1438 by Henry VI of England and Henry Chichele, who was not only a fellow of New College but also the Archbishop of Canterbury at the time. The college was established with a specific purpose in mind: to serve as a memorial for those who had lost their lives in the Hundred Years’ War, a long and devastating conflict between England and France. This sense of remembrance and dedication to those who suffered in the war is at the core of the college’s origins.
When it was founded, the college was structured according to detailed Statutes that laid out its governance and academic focus. The Statutes called for a warden and forty fellows, all of whom were required to take Holy Orders, reflecting the strong religious foundation of the institution. The fellows were divided into two groups based on their areas of study: twenty-four of them were to focus on the arts, philosophy, and theology, providing a broad foundation in the humanities, while the remaining sixteen were dedicated to the study of civil or canon law. This division of academic disciplines was designed to ensure that the college nurtured a well-rounded intellectual community, capable of contributing to both religious and secular knowledge.
Over the centuries, All Souls College has evolved, but its commitment to academic excellence and its unique place within the University of Oxford have remained steadfast, continuing the legacy established by its founders.
All Soul's Categories of Fellowship
All Souls College at the University of Oxford offers several distinct categories of fellowships, each designed to support scholars and professionals at various stages of their careers. These are:
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Examination Fellows: Selected through a competitive exam open to recent Oxford graduates or those pursuing graduate degrees. Successful candidates are elected for seven years, with the option to focus on academic research or other fields after the first two years.
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Post-Doctoral Research Fellows: Awarded to early-career researchers for a five-year term based on their research achievements and future proposals. These fellowships aim to support innovative research across various disciplines.
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Senior Research Fellows: These seven-year renewable fellowships are for distinguished scholars with a significant record of past research. Comparable to a full professorship, these fellowships are prestigious and highly competitive.
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University Academics: Certain University of Oxford professorships or academic positions are linked with fellowships at All Souls, integrating university appointments with college governance.
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Visiting Fellows: Awarded to distinguished scholars or public servants from outside Oxford for one to three terms, allowing them to conduct research at the college.
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Other Fellowships: These include honorary titles and positions for former fellows, such as ‘Fifty-Pound Fellows,’ ‘Two-Year Fellows,’ and ‘Distinguished Fellows,’ many of whom continue to contribute to the college’s academic and public life.
The Buildings of All Souls College
The All Souls College Library
The library, formerly known as the Codrington Library, was founded in 1710 through a bequest by Christopher Codrington (1668–1710), a fellow of the college and a wealthy slave and sugar plantation owner. Under the terms of his will, Codrington donated books worth £6,000 and £10,000 in currency for the library to be rebuilt and endowed. Today, it comprises about 185,000 items, a third of which were published before 1800. The collections are particularly strong in law and history (especially military history).
The Chapel
The chapel was built between 1438 and 1442 and remained largely unchanged until the Commonwealth. The 42 misericords date from the Chapel’s building and show a resemblance to the misericords at St Mary’s Church, Higham Ferrers. During the 1660s a screen was installed in the Chapel, which was based on a design by Wren – although it had to be rebuilt in 1713. All services at the chapel are according to the Book of Common Prayer.
Famous All Souls Alumni
Cardinal Thomas Wolsey
Thomas Wolsey was a statesman and Catholic bishop. He was one of the last English churchmen that played a dominant role in the nation’s political life. He attended Ipswich School and Magdalen College and studied theology at Magdalen College, Oxford. He graduated at age of 15, a fact that earned him the nickname ‘Boy Bachelor’.
Old Photos of Oxford's All Souls College
“Step back in time with Old Photos of Oxford’s All Souls College, a captivating collection that brings the rich history of one of Oxford’s most prestigious institutions to life. Explore the architectural grandeur, the serene quads, and the faces of scholars who once walked these hallowed halls.
What is it Like to Study at All Souls College, Oxford?
Every hundred years, usually on 14 January, there is a commemorative feast. The fellows parade around the college with flaming torches, singing the Mallard Song and led by a “Lord Mallard” who is carried in a chair, in search of a legendary mallard that supposedly flew out of the foundations of the college when it was being built. The last mallard ceremony was in 2001 and the next is due in 2101. The custom dates from at least 1632.
Where is All Souls College?
All Souls College is located on High Street (OX1 4AL), Oxford. Tel 01865 279379.
Can you Visit All Souls College?
Members of the public are invited to explore the College Front and Great Quadrangles, as well as the Chapel, either individually or in small groups (up to six people) at no charge.
Visiting hours are from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on weekdays and Sundays, provided the College is open.
