Exeter College History

Coat of arms

Exeter College is one of the oldest Colleges of Oxford. It was founded in 1314 by Walter de Stapeldon.  The College was founded to provide an education for clergy. 

18th century photo

At the beginning, most of the members of the College were from Devon and Cornwall. At first, there were not many students because it was small, but when it began to grow it gave room to have more students. After a long time, in 17^th century Exeter became one of the leading colleges of the University with a higher reputation.  In 1618 a chapel was built on the opposite side of the quad among the present Hall. In 18^th century, Exeter went into a decline as many other University’s Colleges. Then, the team sports popularity increased, the Junior Common Room was founded in  1887, and it had numerous groups.

The Exeter Chapel

It is an example of Victorian Gothic Architecture and it was designed by George Gilbert, whom was inspired by the Sainte Chappelle in Paris. The Chapel was restored in 2007. It is a chapel for the College community and the general public. People of all faiths, or none, are welcome to visit the chapel. It has a big organ, so it is in demand for musical concerts.  

It has beautiful stained glass windows, and on the outside part of the chapel, on the top of the columns there are amazing statues of saints.