Sheldonian lecture where matriculation ceremonies occur.
Oxford University developed in the 12th Century as a loose amalgamation of colleges , and soon become recognised as one of Europe’s leading places to study.
All Soul’s College
Evidence of teaching in Oxford dates back to 11th Century, but, it was only after Henry II banned students from going to the University of Paris that a real impetus for developing a proper curriculum at Oxford grew.
All Soul’s from University Church, St Mary’s
Timeline of Oxford University
- 1167 Expulsion of foreigners from University of Paris
- 1188, the historian, Gerald of Wales, gave a public reading to the assembled Oxford dons
- 1190 Emo of Friesland, the first known overseas student arrived indicated the regard Oxford was becoming to be held in.
- 1201, the University was headed by a magister scolarum Oxonie,
- 1214 first Chancellor of Oxford University recognised – Robert Grosseteste.
- 1231 the various college masters were recognized as a universitas or corporation.
- 1238 founding of St Edmund Hall.
- 1249 William of Durham endowed University College,
- 1249-1269 During this period other colleges were established such as Balliol by John I de Balliol, father of the future King of Scots and Merton College. Students increasingly took to living in colleges such as this.
- 1314 Exeter College founded
- 13th Century First rioting between town and gown. This led to University seeking greater regulation of college life.
- 13th Century many religious orders founded religious communities to serve as places of study.
- 1437 founding of All Souls College by Archbishop Chichele to commemorate Henry V and all the men killed at Agincourt.
- 1444 Library by Duke Humphrey (brother of Henry V) founded, this was to become Bodleian library later.
- 1448 founding of Magdalen College
- 15th Century teaching of renaissance expanded university.
- 1524 Christ Church college founded as Cardinal Wolsey’s College, taking over site of St. Frideswide’s Monastery
- 1603 Opening of new Bodleian library
- 1621 – Founding of Pyshic Garden which became Oxford Botanical gardens
- 1636, Chancellor William Laud, archbishop of Canterbury, codified the university statuteswhich governed university until the mid-19th century.
- 1642–1649 The university served as a Royalist stronghold during the civil war, though townspeople were more likely to support the Parliamentary side. During Charles I held a counter-Parliament in Convocation House
- 1660. Christ Church rewarded for loyalty to crown and was given funds to complete buildings and Tom Tower.
- 1823 Founding of Oxford Union
- 1854 The University Act of 1854 made it possible for those not members of the Church of England to study at University.
- 19th Century – First Women only colleges – St Hugh’s, Somerville, Lady Margaret Hall and St Hilda’s
- 1920 – women admitted to membership of the university
- 1948 Montague Burton became first female Professor prof of International Relations
- Expansion of University syllabus to include modern subjects such as science and medicine.
Greater religious tolerance and dropping of compulsory religious observance. - 1974 – Five all male colleges except women, by 2010 all colleges had gone co-educational
Related
- History of Oxford University – Official history of Oxford university
- A History of Oxford University
George Charles Brodrick (Author)