Exeter College, University of Oxford — Founded 1314; history, architecture, and notable alumni

Exeter College, University of Oxford — founded 1314 — explores seven centuries of academic history, medieval and later college architecture, and notable alumni such as J. R. R. Tolkien and Philip Pullman.

Exeter College is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford. Its formal corporate name is The Rector and Scholars of Exeter College at the University of Oxford. The college was founded in 1314 by Walter de Stapledon, who was then Bishop of Exeter, and is traditionally counted as the fourth oldest of Oxford's colleges.

History

Established in the early 14th century to provide education for clergymen from the southwest of England, Exeter has grown and changed over seven centuries. Its buildings include medieval and later college courts and quads that reflect successive phases of development. The college has maintained an academic focus across the humanities and sciences while adapting to modern university life.

Women and leadership

Exeter began admitting women as students in 1979. In 1993 the college elected Marilyn Butler as Rector; she was the first woman appointed to lead Exeter and is widely noted as the first woman to hold the headship of an Oxford college.

Notable alumni

J. R. R. Tolkien — scholar and author, best known for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
Philip Pullman — author of the His Dark Materials trilogy and other works for adults and younger readers.