JESUS COLLEGE

Queen Elizabeth I

History, Building and Architecture

Jesus College, in full: Jesus College in the University of Oxford of Queen Elizabeth's Foundation.  The college was founded by Queen Elizabeth I on 27 June 1571. A major driving force behind the establishment of the college was Hugh Price, a churchman from Brecon, Wales. The oldest buildings, in the first quadrangle, date from the 16th and early 17th centuries; a second quadrangle was added between about 1640 and about 1713, and a third quadrangle was built in about 1906. Further accommodation was built on the main site to mark the 400th anniversary of the college, in 1971, and student flats have been constructed at sites in north and east Oxford. A fourth quadrangle was completed in 2021.

Letters patent issued by Elizabeth I made it clear that the education of a priest in the 16th century included more than just theology, however:

...to the Glory of God Almighty and Omnipotent, and for the spread and maintenance of the Christian religion in its sincere form, for the eradication of errors and heresies, for the increase and perpetuation of true loyalty, for the extension of good literature of every sort, for the knowledge of languages, for the education of youth in loyalty, morality, and methodical learning, for the relief of poverty and distress, and lastly for the benefit and well-being of the Church of Christ in our realms, [...] we have decreed that a College of learning in the sciences, philosophy, humane pursuits, knowledge of the Hebrew, Greek and Latin languages, to the ultimate profession of Sacred Theology, to last for all time to come, be created, founded, built, and established....

— Elizabeth I, 27 June 1571.

Jesus College, Oxford - Wikipedia

Famous Alumni

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