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Exeter College

Exeter College was founded in 1314, and it still occupies its original site. The college's name comes from its founder, Walter de Stapeldon, who was Bishop of Exeter and Treasurer of England under Edward II.

The gatehouse tower at Exeter College

Stapeldon's intention was create an educated clegry for his diocese, and for the first few huindred years of its existence, Exeter College drew most of its students from the soutwest of England.

The college was first known as Stapeldon Hall, and it housed no more that a dozen or so students, all of them clergymen. The fortunes of Exeter College changed in the 16th century when Sir William Petre, a former student, bequeathed it new property. A new hall was built in 1618, and the remainder of the present quadrangle was completed in stages by 1710.

Like the rest of Oxford University, Exeter College underwent a decline in the 18th century - both in terms of scholarship and membership, but the university reforms of the Victorian period reversed this trend, and Exeter regained its reputation for academics.

Two of the best-known graduates of Exeter College during this period were the Pre-Raphaelites William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones. Artistic works by both men are exhibited in the Morris Room and Chapel.

Twentieth century graduates of note include athlete Sir Roger Bannister and authors Martin Amis and J.R.R. Tolkein.

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Text © David Ross and Britain Express