Campion Hall is one of the Permanent Private Halls (PPHs) of the University of Oxford, affiliated with the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). Located on Brewer Street, just off St. Aldate’s, in the heart of Oxford, Campion Hall is both a center of academic study and a religious community, with a rich history and a strong commitment to the Jesuit educational tradition.
Sir Edwin Lutyens designed the buildings, which sit between Christ Church and Pembroke College, along with many of the fixtures and fittings in the hall. A significant collection of religious art spanning 600 years is also displayed in the hall; the pieces were collected mainly by Fr. Martin D’Arcy in the 1930s.
About Campion Hall
Campion Hall was founded in 1896 as an academic institution primarily for Jesuits studying at the University of Oxford. It was named after St. Edmund Campion, an English Jesuit priest and martyr who was executed in 1581. The hall was originally located on St. Giles’ Street but moved to its current location on Brewer Street in 1936.
The move to Brewer Street was facilitated by the purchase of buildings designed by the renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, who is also known for his work on New Delhi’s administrative buildings and the Cenotaph in London. Lutyens’ design for Campion Hall is notable for its integration of the old and the new, blending the hall’s historic Jesuit identity with the modern needs of an academic institution.
Campion Hall is not only an academic and religious center but also a place of architectural and artistic significance. The building designed by Lutyens is noted for its elegant simplicity and attention to detail. Inside, the hall houses a remarkable collection of religious art, including works by prominent artists such as Jacob Epstein and George Braque.
The chapel at Campion Hall is a focal point of the building, providing a space for worship and contemplation. It features beautiful stained glass and religious iconography, further enhancing the hall’s spiritual atmosphere.
What is Campion Hall's Affiliation?
Blackfriars is Roman Catholic (Jesuit). The Society of Jesus is a religious Order founded by Ignatius of Loyola and six companions with the approval of Pope Paul III in 1540. The society is engaged in evangelization and apostolic ministry in 112 nations, working in education, research, and cultural pursuits.
Academic and Religious Mission
Campion Hall serves as both an academic institution and a place of residence for members of the Jesuit community and others who are part of the University of Oxford. The hall offers a unique environment where academic study is deeply intertwined with spiritual reflection and community life.
The hall is known for its strong focus on theology, philosophy, and related humanities disciplines. However, students and scholars from a wide range of academic fields are also welcomed, contributing to a diverse intellectual community.
Community and Life at Campion Hall
As a Jesuit institution, Campion Hall emphasizes the Ignatian tradition of education, which encourages critical thinking, a commitment to social justice, and a deep engagement with faith. The community at Campion Hall includes Jesuit priests, lay scholars, and students, who live and work together in a spirit of shared purpose and mutual support.
The hall also hosts various academic events, lectures, and seminars, contributing to the broader intellectual life of the University of Oxford. These events often reflect the hall’s Jesuit values, focusing on themes such as ethics, spirituality, and social justice.
Where is Oxford's Campion Hall?
Address: Brewer St, Oxford OX1 1QS