The Queen's College, Oxford: A Journey Through History
Founded in 1341, The Queen's College, Oxford, stands as a testament to centuries of academic pursuit and architectural grandeur. From its humble beginnings as a haven for poor scholars to its current status as one of Oxford's wealthiest colleges, Queen's boasts a rich and multifaceted history.
Founding and Early Years
The Queen's College was established in January 1341 by Robert de Eglesfield, chaplain to Queen Philippa of Hainault, wife and political advisor of King Edward III. Originally named the "Hall of the Queen's scholars of Oxford", the college was later referred to as "Queen's Hall", "Queenhall", and finally, "Queen's College". The Queen's College, Oxford Act 1584 officially solidified its name. Eglesfield's vision was to create an institution that provided education for clergymen, particularly those from his native Cumberland and Westmorland (now Cumbria), and offered charity to the poor.
Eglesfield's statutes, sealed on February 10, 1341, outlined a detailed plan for the college. He envisioned a community led by a provost, with 12 fellows studying theology, up to 13 chaplains, and 72 poor boys. These boys, educated by informatores, were to serve as choristers for divine offices. Prayer was central to the college's purpose, with services held for the souls of the founders, their families, Eglesfield's friends, and benefactors.
The statutes emphasized a high standard of education, with a rigorous 18-year theology course. Scholars were to live generously, wear blood-red robes in hall to commemorate Christ's death, and be summoned to meals by a trumpet. French, as well as Latin, could be spoken in the hall. Eglesfield's northern roots were reflected in his emphasis on courtly behavior and frugal living. Frivolous belongings, such as dogs and bows and arrows, were strictly forbidden. This sentiment is still remembered today in an annual college tradition where students are handed a needle and thread and told to be thrifty.
Despite Eglesfield's grand plans, the college faced initial challenges. The provost and many of the nominated fellows declined his offer, and for some time, Queen's could only afford two or three fellows. The number of fellows only reached 12 by the end of the 16th century, and the number of chaplains and poor boys remained far below Eglesfield's original vision.
Read also: Queens College Academic Dates
Eglesfield's death in 1349, likely due to the Black Death, further complicated matters. By 1361, the plague threatened to wipe out the remaining members of the college. Despite these hardships, Eglesfield and his friends secured an annuity and the wardenship of St Julian's Hospital, Southampton, which would later become a significant source of income for the college.
Growth and Transformation
Despite early setbacks, The Queen's College gradually grew in prominence. By 1500, the college began accepting paying undergraduates, typically sons of the gentry and middle class, who paid the fellows for teaching. The number of these undergraduates increased significantly, from 14 in 1535 to 194 in 1612. Lectureships in Greek and philosophy were also added.
During the 15th and 16th centuries, Queen's prospered, becoming one of the most popular Oxford colleges during the reign of Elizabeth I. Evidence suggests the development of the tutorial system during this time. The college's religious stance mirrored the changes of the Tudor period, with no significant resistance to the Crown's dictates until Provost Hodgson refused to take the Oath of Supremacy in 1558.
The number of fellows dwindled under Queen Mary, and moral standards declined, leading to internal conflict. However, a transformation was underway. Cromwell's visitors in 1535 recommended the establishment of classical lectureships, and later, under Edward VI, a praelector in philosophy and, around 1563, one in Greek appeared.
Henry Robinson, provost from 1581 to 1598, is remembered as the "second founder" for his efforts in obtaining the Act of Parliament (1585) that incorporated the college as "The Queen's College".
Read also: Your Academic Journey
Architectural Splendor
Around 1700, a pivotal decision was made to completely rebuild the medieval college. By the 1730s, The Queen's College was the only Oxford college housed entirely in Baroque buildings. The main entrance on the High Street leads to the front quad, constructed between 1709 and 1759. Symmetrical ranges line the east and west sides, while the back of the quad features a building housing the chapel and the hall.
Nicholas Hawksmoor, a prominent figure in the English Baroque style, contributed designs that heavily influenced the final design. The Queen's College is considered Oxford’s finest ensemble of Neo-Classical architecture believed to have been inspired by lost drawings by Nicolas Hawksmoor with contributions from Christopher Wren. A second, older quad lies to the north of the hall and chapel, with the library on the west side.
The Chapel
The chapel is a jewel with an exquisitely carved screen and stucco ceiling. During term time Queen’s invites the public to attend and enjoy Choral Evensong which takes place during term time three times per week. Holy Communion is celebrated every Sunday morning and at other times, open to all communicant members of any Christian church or denomination. The Sunday evening service takes the traditional form of Choral Evensong, which is also held on Wednesday and Friday evenings during term. Morning and evening prayer is said daily.
The chapel is also noted for its Frobenius organ in the west gallery, installed in 1965, replacing an earlier organ from 1931. Records indicate the presence of an organ as early as 1826.
The Upper Library
The Upper Library, built between 1692 and 1695, houses large donations from Thomas Barlow and Sir Joseph Williamson. While the architect remains unknown, Henry Aldrich, Dean of Christ Church, is a likely candidate, with Timothy Halton, Provost of the College at the time, also a possibility. John Townsend was the builder, and James Hands created the plasterwork. John Vanderstein crafted the stucco frieze and the sculptures on the garden facade, while Thomas Minn & Son are credited with the woodcarving.
Read also: Courses in Discrete Math
The ceiling plasterwork, its most outstanding feature, was designed by James Hands, whilst the library itself was built by John Townsend. On display in the middle of the library are two eighteenth century papier maché Senex globes and an orrery from the same period. John Senex was the foremost globe maker of the eighteenth century, and also crafted the miniature globe featured in the orrery. The Benjamin Cole orrery was a gift to the College in 1763 from a Group of Gentleman Commoners of the College, recorded in two entries in the Benefactors' Book, as well as on an inscription in the lunar calendar scale. The instrument is made of brass, steel, and wood, contained within a wooden case and resting on a mahogany stand with a glazed cover.
Jonathan Betts describes the instrument as standingon a fine mahogany table with six finely carved cabriole legs, the whole covered with a multi-panelled protective glass shade which can be locked securely onto the table, preventing access to the orrery. The mechanical orrery itself incorporates within its compass the solar system out to Mars, including the Earth and Moon, with additional mountings fixed on the outside of the case for attaching static models of Jupiter and Saturn. The turning of the orrery is a traditional event at Queen's, done by hand only once every few years or on special occasions. The open cloister below the Upper Library was enclosed in the 19th century to form the Lower Library, which now houses the bulk of the lending collection.
Modern Queen's
From the 1750s, like other Oxford colleges, standards at Queen's declined. The Oxford commission of 1850-1859 revised the statutes, removing the northern preference for fellows and most of the students.
Today, The Queen's College is a vibrant community that provides accommodation for all of its undergraduates, divided between the main buildings and nearby annexes. Carrodus Quad, located across Queen's Lane, offers en-suite rooms for first-year students, as well as some second- and third-/final-year students with access requirements. The building also houses a conference room, a music practice room, and the college gym.
The college also owns the Cardo Building opposite the Oxford University Sports centre, housing a mixture of second and third years, and featuring a common room, breakfast room, and two squash courts. The Florey Building in St Clement's, designed by James Stirling, formerly housed most of the college's first years until its closure in 2018. St Aldate's House is now the largest undergraduate annex, with en suite rooms and shared kitchens.
While many postgraduate students live outside College accommodation, Oxley-Wright House and a portion of Venneit Close are available as postgraduate annexes.
Queen's is an active community, participating in intercollegiate sports and hosting a variety of societies and triennial Commemoration balls. The Junior Common Room (JCR) represents the undergraduates, while the Middle Common Room (MCR) represents the postgraduates. The Old Taberdars' Room serves as a lounge space for all members of the college.
The college playing field, located near the Isis, includes a football and a hockey pitch, hard tennis courts, a netball court, and a pavilion. The Queen's College Boat Club, founded in 1827, is one of the oldest in the world. The Queen's College shares a rugby pitch nearby with University College.
The Queen's College is host to a mixed-voice Chapel Choir, composed of Choral Scholars and volunteers. The choir sings Evensong three times a week during term and performs concerts regularly. The Eglesfield Musical Society, named after the founder, is the oldest musical society in Oxford.
Connections to the Transatlantic Slave Trade
The College’s long past is not uncomplicated & like many British Historic Institutions, is tied to the abhorrent Transatlantic Slave Trade in Enslaved Africans. 2-Significant Benefactors, Sir Joseph Williamson (1673-1701) & Lady Elizabeth Hastings, both benefited Financially, from Investments in the Royal African Company (RAC), the largest Company Trading in Enslaved Peoples in the History of the Atlantic Slave Trade. Williamson also held Offices in the Company & its Precursor, the Company of Royal Adventurers. As such, he was a significant Member of the Network of Individuals in Industry & Government who together Established the Trade in Britain during the mid-17thC.
Notable Alumni
The Queen's College has produced a number of notable alumni, including actor and comedian Rowan Atkinson and geriatrician David Oliver.
tags: #queens #college #oxford #history
