A constituent college of the University of Oxford in England, Exeter College is the fourth-oldest college of the university and was founded in 1314 by Devon-born Bishop of Exeter Walter de Stapledon. Exeter was popular with the sons of Devonshire gentry when it was founded, but it has since been associated with a wide range of prominent alumni, such as William Morris, J. R. R. Tolkien, Richard Burton, Roger Bannister, Alan Bennett, and Philip Pullman.
Exeter College, one of the oldest colleges at the University of Oxford, has a rich and storied history that reflects its significant role in the development of the university. In its early years, the college was located on a property on the High Street, and it began to expand and develop its academic and physical presence within the university. Over the centuries, it evolved from a small hall into a fully-fledged college with a more substantial infrastructure.
Women were not permitted to study at Exeter College until 1979. In 1993, Exeter became the first of the former all-male colleges to elect a woman, Marilyn Butler 🔗, as its rector. The college motto is “Floreat Exon“, meaning “Let Exeter Flourish“.
What's the History of Exeter College?
Exeter College was founded in 1314 at its original location on Turl Street by Walter de Stapledon 🔗 of Devon, Bishop of Exeter and later treasurer to Edward II. It was initially a school to educate clergy.
During its first century, Exeter College was known as Stapeldon Hall and had just twelve to fourteen students. The college began growing significantly from the 15th century onward when it started offering rooms to its students.
Sir John Acland 🔗, a Devonshire gentleman, knight, and philanthropist, donated £800 in the 16th century, which largely financed the building of a new dining hall and two scholarships for poor students. Many noble Roman Catholic students were also invited to enrol at the enlarged college. Over time, Exeter became one of the leading colleges in the University of Oxford.
Famous Alumni
Exeter College has produced a number of distinguished alumni, including notable figures in politics, literature, and academia. These alumni reflect the college’s long-standing commitment to fostering influential leaders and thinkers.
William Morris
William Morris was a British poet, artist, and textile designer, as well as a conservationist, translator, printer, and social activist linked with the British Arts and Crafts Movement. He studied Classics at Oxford University and entered Exeter College in 1852.
J. R. R. Tolkien
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien was an English writer, poet, academic, and philologist and the author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien studied classics, English language and literature at Exeter College and graduated in 1913 with first-class honours. Read more about Tolkien at Oxford here.
The Buildings of Exeter College
In its early years, the college was located on a property on the High Street, and it began to expand and develop its academic and physical presence within the university. Over the centuries, it evolved from a small hall into a fully-fledged college with a more substantial infrastructure. Exeter College underwent significant architectural development throughout the 14th and 15th centuries. Notable buildings from this period include the college’s chapel and various quadrangles.
The Front Quadrangle
Exeter College’s Front Quad sits on the site of the medieval college. Only Palmer’s Tower in the northeastern corner, built in 1432, is the only structure that remains from the early buildings.
The tower was once the college’s primary entrance and now houses fellows’ offices and lodgings. The quadrangle is dominated by the chapel, constructed in 1854–1860 and heavily inspired by the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. The hall was constructed in 1618 and is notable for its vaulted ceilings and numerous fine portraits. The Front Quad also houses the Junior, Middle, and Senior Common Rooms, as well as lodgings for fellows and undergraduates.
The Margary Quadrangle
The Margary Quad was finished in 1964 to commemorate the 650th anniversary of the college. It’s named after Ivan Margary, who paid for its restoration. This quad has the rector’s lodgings, and staircases nine, ten, and eleven, also erected during the 19th century.
The Fellow's Garden
This garden is part of a passageway from Exeter’s Front Quadrangle. In it stands the library, designed in the 13th-century style. Other buildings here include the Convocation House, the Divinity School, and the Bodleian Library. The Mound at the end of the garden offers views over Radcliffe Square, including All Souls College and the Radcliffe Camera.
The Cohen Quad
Exeter college purchased the main site of Ruskin College in 2007-2008. The buildings here (and around the COhen Quad) were redeveloped to provide a range of student bedrooms, teaching rooms, and study spaces.
What is it Like to Study at Exeter College, Oxford?
Exeter is one of Oxford’s smallest colleges and is seen by many as having a close-knit student body. Emphasis is placed on tradition, especially during special occasions such as the annual Burns Night, a dinner in honour of the Scottish poet Robert Burns 🔗.
Exeter College’s Choir
Exeter has a mixed-voice choir, made up of 24 singers. It is accompanied by the Organ Scholars. They run three services a week and have been featured on a number of BBC Radio 4’s Daily Service. Exeter College also offers Choral and Parry–Wood Organ Scholarships.
Exeter College’s Sports
The students also compete at a university level on the varsity teams in rowing, rugby, hockey, netball, and cricket. In 2010, Exeter College won the men’s intra-university cricket division and in 2014 they defeated St Catherine’s College 2-1 in the Football Cuppers tournament final.
Where is Exeter College?
Exeter College is located in central Oxford, England. Its main entrance is situated on Turl Street, which connects to the High Street and is centrally positioned within the city. The college is in close proximity to many of Oxford’s other colleges, landmarks, and university buildings, making it an integral part of the university’s academic and social landscape. The location offers easy access to the city’s cultural and historic sites, further enhancing the college’s central role in Oxford.
Address: Turl Street (OX1 3DP), Oxford. Tel 01865 279600.
Can you Visit Exeter College?
Yes, Exeter College is open to the public.
- Open: Open daily between 14:00 and 17:00 during term time and between 13:00 and 17:00 outside of term time.
- Charge: Adults £3, free for children up to the age of 12, all prospective students, Bodleian Card holders, and Oxford alumni.
- Groups: Tour guides must book a time slot in advance.
