History | University of Oxford (2024)

Oxford is a unique and historic institution. As the oldest universityin the English-speaking world, it can lay claim to nine centuries ofcontinuous existence.

Here’s a timeline of key dates:

Evidence of teaching

There is no clear date of foundation but teaching existed at Oxfordin some form in 1096.

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A Paris ban

Oxford developed rapidly from 1167, when Henry II banned Englishstudents from attending the University of Paris following a quarrelwith Thomas Becket.

(Image:Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury stained glass window in the Chapter House at Westminster Abbey. Credit: Shutterstock.)

A notable visitor

In 1188, the historian Gerald of Wales gave a public reading to theassembled Oxford dons (university lecturers, especially at Oxford orCambridge). As a royal clerk to the king and two archbishops, Geraldof Wales travelled widely and wrote extensively.

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First overseas student

In around 1190 the arrival of Emo of Friesland, the first knownoverseas student, set in motion the University’s tradition ofdeveloping international scholarly links.

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The title of Chancellor

By 1201 the University was headed by a ‘magister scholarum (head ofan ecclesiastical school) Oxonie’, on whom the title of Chancellor waslater conferred in 1214, and in 1231 the Masters were recognised asa universitas or corporation.

(Image:The current Chancellor, Lord Patten of Barnes.)

First colleges

During the 13th century, rioting between town and gown(townspeople and students) hastened the establishment of primitivehalls of residence.

These were succeeded by the first of Oxford’scolleges, which began as endowed houses or medieval halls ofresidence, under the supervision of a Master.

Established between1249 and 1264, University, Balliol and Merton Colleges are the oldest.

(Image: Merton College and chapel, from the first quadrangle, 1775-1827. Credit: Oxford University Images /Oxfordshire History Centre)

Tributes from kings

Less than a century later, Oxford had achieved eminence above everyother seat of learning, and won the praises of popes, kings and sagesby virtue of its antiquity, curriculum, doctrine and privileges. In 1355,Edward III paid tribute to the University for its invaluable contributionto learning. He also commented on the services rendered to the stateby distinguished Oxford graduates.

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Religious and political controversy

John Wyclif, a 14th-centuryMaster of Balliol, campaigned for a Bible in English, against thewishes of the papacy.

In the 16th century, Henry VIII forced theUniversity to accept his divorce from Catherine of Aragon, and theAnglican churchmen Cranmer, Latimer and Ridley were later tried forheresy and burnt at the stake in the city.

The University was Royalistduring the Civil War and Charles I held a counter-Parliament in theUniversity’s Convocation House.

In the late 17th century, the Oxford philosopher John Locke, suspected of treason, was forced to flee the country.

Scientific discovery and religious revival

EdmondHalley, Professor of Geometry, predicted the return of the comet thatbears his name.

John and Charles Wesley’s prayermeetings laid thefoundations for the Methodist Society.

Find out more:

Oxford people

Famous Oxonians

British Prime Ministers | University of Oxford

Award winners | University of Oxford

The Oxford Movement

From 1833 onwards, the Oxford Movement sought to revitalise theCatholic aspects of the Anglican Church. One of its leaders, JohnHenry Newman, became a Roman Catholic in 1845 and was latermade a Cardinal. In 2019 he was canonised as a saint.

(Image:Close-up of Cardinal Newman bust from Trinity College Garden Quad, Oxford University. Credit: Shutterstock.)

A famous debate

In 1860 the new University Museum was the scene of a famous debatebetween Thomas Huxley, champion of evolution, and Bishop Wilberforce.

Women become members

From 1878 academic halls were established for women, whowere admitted as full members of the University from1920. By 1986, all of Oxford’smale colleges had changed their statutes to admit women and,since 2008, all colleges have admitted men and women.

(Image:The first women to be awarded degrees at Oxford University. Credit: Lady Margaret Hall.)

Major research capabilities

During the 20th and early 21st centuries, Oxford establishedmajor new research capacities in the natural and applied sciences,including medicine. In so doing, it has enhanced and strengthenedits traditional role as an international focus for learning and a forumfor intellectual debate.

A life-saving vaccine

Oxford University has been at the centre of the COVID-19 response from the very onset of the crisis, remaining at the forefront of global efforts to combat the disease and to mitigate its many effects, such as developing a vaccine and identifying treatments. By early 2022, more than 2.6 billion doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine had been supplied to over 180 countries, with approximately two-thirds going to low and middle-income countries. The vaccine is estimated to have helped prevent 50 million COVID-19 cases, five million hospitalisations, and saved more than one million lives.

(Image: Seven of the Oxford academics recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for their work on stopping the pandemic. Credit: John Cairns.)