Imagine Dorothy Wadham a formidable woman of 75. She was determined to see her late husband’s vision come to life. We are standing before Wadham College. This college stands as a testament to her grit and determination.
Wadham College is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford. It sits where Broad Street meets Parks Road. This location is right in the heart of Oxford. Wadham is known for its Jacobean architecture. It is also known for its open and inclusive atmosphere.
Nicholas Wadham died in 1609. He left his fortune to establish a college at Oxford. Dorothy, his widow, took on the challenge. She faced many obstacles. Nicholas’s relatives fought for their share of the inheritance. But Dorothy was resolute. She secured royal support from King James I. In 1610, she received a royal charter to found Wadham College.
Dorothy purchased land in Oxford. She created the college’s statutes. Dorothy appointed the first officials. These included the Warden, fellows, and scholars. She even chose the college cook. Impressively, Wadham College opened just four years after her husband’s death. Dorothy added her own money to the endowment. She maintained tight control of the college from her home in Devon. It is surprising she never visited Oxford herself.
The central buildings were built between 1610 and 1613. William Arnold designed them. He was a West Country architect. The buildings are a notable example of Jacobean architecture. The front quad is an early example of Jacobean Gothic style. The main building was erected quickly. The style is traditional Oxford Gothic. Classical details were added. Symmetry is heavily emphasized.
Wadham College quickly gained a reputation as a hub for scientific thinkers. From 1648, John Wilkins became the Warden. His lodgings became a gathering place. It was known as the Philosophical Club. This group included leading chemists, astronomers, and anatomists. They eventually formed the Royal Society.
One notable alumnus is Sir Christopher Wren. He studied at Wadham. Later, Wren became a fellow of All Souls. He also became an astronomy professor at Gresham College in London. Wren is famous for his architecture. His diverse interests stemmed from his time at Wadham. He was part of the Philosophical Club.
Wadham’s Hall is one of the largest in Oxford. It features a hammer-beam roof. The entrance screen showcases Jacobean woodwork. Portraits of the founders and distinguished members adorn the hall.
The Chapel has a screen carved by John Bolton. The East Window portrays scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Bernard van Linge created it in 1622. The chapel organ dates back to 1862. Henry Willis made it.
The gardens at Wadham are extensive. They include the Warden’s Garden and the Fellow’s Private Garden. Also the Cloister Garden and the White Scented Garden are included.
In 1974, Wadham became one of the first men-only colleges at Oxford. It began admitting women as full members. Wadham College now consists of about 70 Fellows. It has around 230 graduate students and 450 undergraduates.
Today Wadham College is known for its promotion of equality and diversity. Wadham embodies Dorothy Wadham’s commitment. She wanted to create a place of learning open to all.