What is the full name of the college and its affiliation?

Hertford College, officially known as Hertford College in the University of Oxford, is a constituent college of the University of Oxford. This means it is one of the self-governing academic institutions that make up the university.

Where is Hertford College located within Oxford?

Hertford College is situated on Catte Street in the center of Oxford, directly opposite the main entrance to the Bodleian Library. Its central location places it at the heart of the university's academic and historical district.

What is a notable architectural feature connecting the college's quadrangles?

The college's Old and New Quadrangles are linked by the Bridge of Sighs, which is a well-known Oxford landmark. This iconic bridge spans New College Lane, connecting different parts of the college's campus.

When did the first foundation on the Hertford site begin, and what was its initial name?

The first foundation on the Hertford site began in the 1280s as Hart Hall. This early establishment laid the groundwork for the college's eventual development.

How did Hertford College come to be established in its current form?

The site was taken over by Magdalen Hall in 1820, and in 1874, Magdalen Hall was incorporated as a college, reviving the name Hertford College. This marked the formal establishment of the college as it is known today.

When did Hertford College begin admitting women, and what was its role in this transition?

In 1974, Hertford was among the first group of all-male Oxford colleges to admit women. This move was part of a broader trend towards co-education within the collegiate university system.

What is the Latin name for Hertford College?

The Latin name for Hertford College is Collegium Hertfordiense.

What is the college's motto, and what does it mean in English?

The college's motto is "Sicut cervus anhelat ad fontes aquarum," which translates from Latin to "As the hart panteth after the water brooks." This phrase is derived from Psalm 42.

Who is Hertford College named after?

Hertford College is named after Elias de Hertford, who founded the original Hart Hall on the college's site in the 1280s.

What was the original name of Hertford College before its refounding in 1874?

Before being incorporated as Hertford College in 1874, the institution was known as Magdalen Hall. This hall had a history dating back to around 1490.

What is the significance of the 'drinking hart' symbol associated with the college?

The drinking hart symbol is associated with the college's original name, Hart Hall, and is featured prominently on the college's coat of arms and above the modern main gate of Hertford College.

When was Hart Hall first established, and what was its primary function in medieval Oxford?

Hart Hall was established in the 1280s as a small tenement that served primarily as a lodging house for students and resident tutors in medieval Oxford. These academic halls were precursors to modern colleges.

Which historical figures were associated with Hart Hall or Magdalen Hall as students?

Notable students from the college's predecessor institutions include William Tyndale, the translator of the English Bible; the poet John Donne; the political philosopher Thomas Hobbes; and the satirist Jonathan Swift.

What role did Exeter College play in the early history of Hart Hall?

Exeter College, founded by Walter de Stapledon, retained certain rights over Hart Hall after Stapledon moved his scholars to a new site. These rights impacted Hart Hall's development for centuries.

How did Hart Hall become known for its association with Catholicism in the late 16th century?

Hart Hall became a refuge for Catholic recusants during the principalship of Philip Randell, attracting Jesuit tutors and students, including Richard Holtby and Alexander Briant, who later became a Jesuit martyr and saint.

Who was Richard Newton, and what were his contributions to Hertford College?

Richard Newton served as the principal of Hart Hall from 1710 and was an educational reformer who planned to redesign the hall around a quadrangle, financing the construction of two buildings himself. He successfully petitioned for a royal charter to incorporate the hall as Hertford College in 1740.

What was the nature of Richard Newton's Hertford College?

Newton's Hertford was a relatively spartan college with simple meals, emphasizing hard work and supplementing university education with internal disputations. It aimed to instill disciplined education, even for students from wealthier backgrounds.

What led to the decline and eventual dissolution of the first Hertford College in 1816?

The college declined due to the mismanagement of uninterested principals, a lack of endowments, and the failure to find a suitable successor after the last principal's death in 1805. This led to the cessation of matriculation and its eventual dissolution by an Act of Parliament.

What was the purpose of the 'Transfer of Stock of Hertford College Act 1816'?

This Act of Parliament authorized the transfer of stock standing in the name of the dissolved Hertford College and allowed for the receipt of dividends due on those annuities, facilitating the administrative dissolution of the college.

When and why did Magdalen Hall move to the site of the former Hertford College?

Magdalen Hall moved to the former Hertford College site in 1820, following a fire that destroyed much of its own buildings and the collapse of one of Hertford's structures. This move was enabled by the 'Lands of Hertford College Act 1816'.

Who was John Macbride, and what is his connection to Hertford College's history?

John Macbride became principal of Magdalen Hall in 1813 and oversaw its move to the Hertford College site. He served for 54 years, and the Macbride Sermon is still preached in Hertford College's Chapel in his memory.

What event led to the refounding of Hertford College in 1874?

The refounding occurred through the 'Hertford College Act 1874,' which dissolved Magdalen Hall and incorporated its members into the new Hertford College. This process was significantly supported by a substantial endowment from Thomas Charles Baring.

Who was Richard Michell in relation to Hertford College?

Richard Michell succeeded John Macbride as principal of Magdalen Hall and subsequently became the first principal of the refounded Hertford College in 1874.

What is the significance of Thomas Graham Jackson in Hertford College's architectural history?

Thomas Graham Jackson was the architect responsible for several key buildings and expansions at Hertford College, including the Gatehouse, the Hall, the Chapel, and the iconic Bridge of Sighs, shaping much of the college's current appearance.

How does Hertford College commemorate its members who died in the World Wars?

Members who died in World War I are commemorated by a memorial on the south wall of the Chapel's chancel, while those from World War II are remembered in a memorial in the portico near the Chapel door.

What is the 'Hertford Scheme,' and what was its impact?

The Hertford Scheme, established in 1965, aimed to encourage applicants from state schools by interviewing them early and potentially offering places without entrance exams. This initiative significantly boosted academic standards within the college.

When did Hertford College become co-educational, and which other colleges were among the first?

Hertford became one of the first five co-educational colleges in the university in 1974, alongside Brasenose, Jesus College, St Catherine's, and Wadham. This marked a significant step towards gender equality in Oxford's colleges.

What are the three main quadrangles of Hertford College?

The college's main site consists of three quadrangles: the Old Quadrangle, the New Quadrangle, and the Holywell Quadrangle. These areas form the core of the college's campus.

Describe the Old Quadrangle's Gatehouse and its historical elements.

The Old Quadrangle's Gatehouse, built by Thomas Graham Jackson in the late 19th century, features a carving of a drinking hart above the archway and retains the original 17th-century wooden doors with floral decoration from Hart Hall. It serves as the main entrance to the Old Quad.

What is the Old Hall, and what is its historical significance?

The Old Hall, located in the north-east corner of the Old Quadrangle, is the oldest remaining building from Hart Hall, dating back to the 1570s. It is still used for dining, particularly by the college's fellows.

What is the 'Cottage' in the Old Quadrangle, and what is its origin?

The Cottage, situated in the south-east corner of the Old Quadrangle, is the only one of the four planned 'angles' designed by Dr. Richard Newton that was ever completed. It represents a fragment of his original architectural vision for the college.

What is the significance of the Chapel and Library in the Old Quadrangle?

The Chapel was built by Jackson in 1908, while the Library was originally Newton's 18th-century chapel. The Library houses many antique books, including rare 17th-century manuscripts and an original edition of Thomas Hobbes's *Leviathan*, prepared during his time at Magdalen Hall.

How is the college's dining Hall accessed from the Old Quadrangle?

The dining Hall, located above the Gatehouse, is accessed from the quad via a distinctive stone spiral staircase designed by Thomas Graham Jackson. This staircase was inspired by the one at the Château de Blois in France.

What is the Octagon in the New Quadrangle, and what does it house?

The Octagon, located in the New Quadrangle, is the 16th-century Chapel of St Mary the Virgin at Smithgate, which once served as a bastion in the town walls. It currently houses the Middle Common Room for postgraduate students.

What is the primary use of the New Quadrangle?

The New Quadrangle is primarily used for undergraduate accommodation, providing living spaces for students within the college.

When was the Holywell Quadrangle built, and who does it primarily house?

The Holywell Quadrangle was built in 1975 and is almost exclusively used for first-year undergraduate housing, offering accommodation for students during their initial year at the university.

What is the 'Baring Room' in Holywell Quadrangle named after?

The Baring Room is named after Thomas Charles Baring, who provided significant financial support and endowments to the college, playing a key role in its refounding.

What is the college's admission rate compared to other Oxbridge colleges?

Hertford College has one of the lowest admission rates among Oxbridge colleges, indicating a highly competitive application process.

How does Hertford College's academic performance rank generally?

Hertford's exam results are typically slightly above average, with its rankings in the Norrington Table (which measures undergraduate degree classifications) varying between 5th and 23rd place in recent years.

What is the status of Hertford College Boat Club within Oxford University?

Hertford College Boat Club is considered among the leading Oxford college boat clubs. Both its men's and women's first boats compete in the first division of Torpids and Eights Week, the university's rowing events.

When did Hertford College Boat Club achieve 'Head of the River' status?

The college's boat club achieved 'Head of the River' status in 1881, just seven years after the college's refounding, signifying a major achievement in university rowing.

What happened to the Hertford College Boathouse in 2005?

The boathouse was destroyed by an arson attack in 2005, carried out by the Animal Liberation Front as a protest against animal testing at the university. A new boathouse was subsequently rebuilt on the same site.

What is notable about Hertford College's music society?

Hertford College boasts the largest and most active music society of any Oxford college, featuring various ensembles such as the Orchestra, Chapel Choir, and Jazz Band, and drawing musicians from across the university.

Who is the current interim Principal of Hertford College?

Professor Patrick Roche is the current interim Principal of Hertford College.

Who was the most recent permanent Principal of Hertford College?

The most recent permanent Principal, serving from 2020 to November 2024, was Tom Fletcher, who is also a former UK Ambassador to Lebanon and a foreign policy advisor.

Name three current Professorial and Tutorial Fellows at Hertford College.

Examples of current fellows include Professor Hagan Bayley (Chemical Biology), Professor Charlotte Brewer (English Language and Literature), and Dame Kay Davies (FRS, Anatomy). The college has over 30 such fellows.

Name three Emeritus Fellows of Hertford College.

Examples of Emeritus Fellows include Toby Barnard (historian), Martin Biddle (archaeologist), and Tom Paulin (former lecturer in English). These fellows have retired from active service but maintain a connection with the college.

Name three Honorary Fellows of Hertford College.

Examples of Honorary Fellows include Mary Robinson (former President of Ireland), Jacqui Smith (former Home Secretary), and Soweto Kinch (jazz musician and rapper). Honorary Fellowships are awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions in their fields.

Who are some notable former students from the Hart Hall/first Hertford College period (1282-1816)?

Notable former students from this period include Saint Alexander Briant, the poet John Donne, the statesman Charles James Fox, Prime Minister Henry Pelham, the legal scholar John Selden, and the satirist Jonathan Swift.

Who are some notable former students from the Magdalen Hall period (1480-1874)?

Notable former students from this period include the poet Samuel Daniel, the jurist Matthew Hale, the philosopher Thomas Hobbes, Edward Hyde (1st Earl of Clarendon), the naturalist Robert Plot, the Bible translator William Tyndale, the politician Henry Vane the Younger, and the Parliamentarian Sir William Waller.

Who are some notable former students from the second Hertford College period (1874-present)?

Notable former students from this period include the broadcaster Fiona Bruce, the civil servant Jeremy Heywood, the newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky, the philosopher Alain LeRoy Locke, the author Evelyn Waugh, and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Byron White.

Hertford College Oxford Wiki: Hertford College: A Tapestry of Oxford History

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A Legacy Forged Through Time

Origins: Hart Hall

The college's roots trace back to Hart Hall, established in the 1280s. Initially a modest tenement, it evolved over centuries, facing dissolutions and transformations, including periods as Magdalen Hall, before its final refounding.

First Foundation & Dissolution

Hart Hall was officially recognized as Hertford College in 1740. However, financial instability and a lack of strong leadership led to its dissolution in 1816, marking the end of its first iteration.

Magdalen Hall & Revival

In 1820, Magdalen Hall, founded circa 1490, relocated to the former Hertford College site. This hall, known for its Puritan leanings and notable scholars like William Tyndale and Thomas Hobbes, eventually paved the way for Hertford's revival.

William Tyndale: Translator of the English Bible.
Thomas Hobbes: Influential philosopher.
Jonathan Swift: Satirist and author.
Philip Nye: Advisor to Oliver Cromwell.

Refounding and Modern Era

Magdalen Hall was incorporated as Hertford College in 1874, thanks to significant endowments, notably from Thomas Charles Baring. The college embraced co-education in 1974, becoming one of the first in Oxford to do so.

Architectural Evolution

Old Quadrangle

The historic heart of the college, featuring the 17th-century Old Hall, the 18th-century Chapel (now the Library), and Jackson's 1908 Chapel. The iconic Gatehouse, designed by T.G. Jackson, houses the Principal's Lodge and retains original 17th-century doors.

Bridge of Sighs

Connecting the Old and New Quadrangles across New College Lane, this landmark structure was designed by Thomas Graham Jackson and completed in 1913. It is a signature feature of the college's architectural landscape.

Inspired by the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Jackson's design provides a vital link between the college's historic and modern sections, contributing significantly to its visual identity.

New & Holywell Quadrangles

Developed primarily in the early 20th century, these quadrangles house student accommodation and facilities. The Octagon, a former chapel, now serves as the Middle Common Room (MCR), showcasing the adaptive reuse of historical structures.

Distinguished Individuals

Notable Alumni

Hertford College boasts a distinguished list of alumni across various fields, including literature, politics, science, and media. Figures like William Tyndale, John Donne, Jonathan Swift, Evelyn Waugh, Jacqui Smith, and Krishnan Guru-Murthy are among its former students.

Literature: Evelyn Waugh, Samuel Daniel, J. Meade Falkner
Politics & Public Service: Charles James Fox, Henry Pelham, Jacqui Smith, Jeremy Heywood
Media: Fiona Bruce, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Natasha Kaplinsky
Other: Byron White (US Supreme Court Justice), Alain LeRoy Locke (Philosopher)

Principals & Fellows

The college has been led by influential Principals, including reformers like Richard Newton and modern figures such as Tom Fletcher. Its academic strength is maintained by a dedicated body of Professorial and Tutorial Fellows across numerous disciplines.

Prof. Hagan Bayley: Chemical Biology
Prof. Charlotte Brewer: English Language and Literature
Dame Kay Davies: Anatomy (FRS)
Prof. Ian McBride: Foster Professor of Irish History
Prof. Peter Millican: Philosophy
Prof. Michael Wooldridge: Computer Science

Honorary Fellows

The college recognizes significant contributions through its Honorary Fellows, including former President of Ireland Mary Robinson, former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, and renowned historian R. F. Foster.

Vibrant Student Community

Accommodation

Undergraduates are typically housed for their entire course, either within the main college site or in nearby college-owned properties, ensuring a consistent community environment.

Simpkin Dynasty

Hertford is affectionately known for its line of college cats, named Simpkin, originating from Principal Geoffrey Warnock's cat. The current Simpkin is supported by an alumni bursary, adding a unique charm to college life.

Inclusivity and Diversity

Hertford was among the first Oxford colleges to admit women (1974) and has a strong commitment to diversity. The 'Hertford Scheme' actively encourages applications from state schools, fostering a broad representation of students.

Academic Excellence

Admissions and Achievement

Hertford College maintains competitive admission rates, reflecting its rigorous academic standards. Historically, its performance in the Norrington Table (ranking undergraduate degree results) has placed it favorably among Oxford colleges.

Irish Studies

The college has a notable specialization in Irish studies and history, building upon long-standing connections with Ireland that date back to the 16th century when students from various religious backgrounds studied together.

Tutorial System

With over 30 Tutorial Fellows, Hertford offers comprehensive academic support across its undergraduate subjects. Fellows are leading researchers, bringing cutting-edge knowledge directly into student learning.

Athletic Pursuits

Boat Club

The Hertford College Boat Club is a prominent force in Oxford inter-collegiate rowing. Achieving 'Head of the River' status in 1881, the club continues to perform strongly in Torpids and Eights Week, utilizing its boathouse on the Isis.

Rugby Tours

Demonstrating a global reach, the Hertford College Rugby Club has undertaken notable tours, including being the first UK team to visit Mongolia in 2013 and returning in 2017 for further matches.

Facilities

The college provides modern sporting facilities, including a dedicated gymnasium and playing fields in New Marston, equipped with a pavilion supporting various team sports.

Musical Engagement

Active Music Society

Hertford College hosts one of the largest and most dynamic music societies in Oxford. It engages a wide range of musicians, fostering diverse ensembles and performance opportunities.

Ensembles and Performance

The college supports numerous ensembles, including the Hertford College Orchestra, Chapel Choir, Wind Band, Jazz Band, and Bruckner Orchestra, utilizing the Chapel's excellent acoustics for concerts and recordings.

Organ Scholarships

Two competitive organ scholarships are offered annually, attracting talented musicians and contributing to the rich musical life centered around the college's Chapel.

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References

The full title is, Scheme of Discipline with Statutes intended to be established by a Royal Charter for the education of the youth in Hart Hall, in the University of Oxford

A full list of references for this article are available at the Hertford College, Oxford Wikipedia page

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This content has been generated by an AI model for informational and educational purposes. It is based on data sourced from Wikipedia and aims to reflect the provided information accurately. However, it does not constitute an official representation of Hertford College or the University of Oxford.

This is not an official endorsement or guide. Information regarding admissions, specific academic programs, or current college life should always be verified directly with Hertford College or the University of Oxford through their official channels. No representation is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided.

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Hertford College: A Tapestry of Oxford History

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A Legacy Forged Through Time ⏳

🦌 Origins: Hart Hall

🏛️ First Foundation & Dissolution

📚 Magdalen Hall & Revival

🌟 Refounding and Modern Era

Architectural Evolution 🏛️

🧱 Old Quadrangle

🌉 Bridge of Sighs

🏢 New & Holywell Quadrangles

Distinguished Individuals 👤

🎓 Notable Alumni

👨‍🏫 Principals & Fellows

⭐ Honorary Fellows

Vibrant Student Community 👥

🏠 Accommodation

🐈 Simpkin Dynasty

🌍 Inclusivity and Diversity

Academic Excellence 💡

📈 Admissions and Achievement

🇮🇪 Irish Studies

🔬 Tutorial System

Athletic Pursuits 🏆

🚣 Boat Club

🏉 Rugby Tours

⚽ Facilities

Musical Engagement 🎵

🎶 Active Music Society

🎼 Ensembles and Performance

🎹 Organ Scholarships

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

A Legacy Forged Through Time

Origins: Hart Hall

First Foundation & Dissolution

Magdalen Hall & Revival

Refounding and Modern Era

Architectural Evolution

Old Quadrangle

Bridge of Sighs

New & Holywell Quadrangles

Distinguished Individuals

Notable Alumni

Principals & Fellows

Honorary Fellows

Vibrant Student Community

Accommodation

Simpkin Dynasty

Inclusivity and Diversity

Academic Excellence

Admissions and Achievement

Irish Studies

Tutorial System

Athletic Pursuits

Boat Club

Rugby Tours

Facilities

Musical Engagement

Active Music Society

Ensembles and Performance

Organ Scholarships

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Integrity Disclaimer

Important Notice