Is it just me, or does Brasenose College seem to hum with history? Brasenose College is one of Oxford’s most historic colleges. Its story stretches back centuries. Brasenose began as Brasenose Hall in the 13th century. The college was officially founded in 1509.
Its name likely comes from a bronze knocker. This knocker once adorned the door of Brasenose Hall. Imagine the generations who passed through that doorway. They all touched that very knocker.
Brasenose College has strong ties to Lancashire and Cheshire. These were the home counties of its founders. Sir Richard Sutton and Bishop William Smyth established Brasenose. This link remained strong for centuries.
The college navigated religious reforms. Brasenose managed to do this despite Catholic sympathies among members. Most of Brasenose favored the Royalists. This was during the English Civil War. Yet it produced leaders on both sides of the conflict.
Brasenose College faced financial struggles. Despite this, the library and chapel were completed. They finished these in the mid-17th century.
After 1785, Principal William Cleaver led Brasenose to prosperity. The college attracted gentlemen. Its income doubled between 1790 and 1810. The college also achieved academic success.
New Quad wasn’t completed until the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This added to Brasenose’s reconstruction. Principal Edward Hartopp Cradock saw a decline in academics. However, Brasenose excelled in sports like cricket and rowing.
Charles Heberden became principal in 1889. He gradually improved Brasenose’s academic standing. Heberden was the first lay principal. He opened the library to undergraduates. He instituted entrance exams. He also accepted Rhodes scholars.
Brasenose College mourned the loss of 115 men in World War I. This greatly reduced the number of undergraduates. William Stallybrass dominated Brasenose life during the inter-war period. He was first a fellow then principal.
In 1974, Brasenose became one of the first men’s colleges to admit women. This ended 470 years as a male-only institution.
Brasenose ensures undergraduates can live on the main site throughout their degrees. This goal was achieved in 1997. It happened with the opening of the St Cross annexe and Frewin extension.
Brasenose College faces Radcliffe Square. It is opposite the Radcliffe Camera. Brasenose Lane defines its north side. The High Street borders the south side. Lincoln College is to the west.
Brasenose is linked to Lincoln College. This connection is through a door. It is only opened for five minutes on Ascension Day. Brasenose members are then served ale by Lincoln College. The ale is traditionally flavored with ground ivy.
The main Brasenose site has three quads. These are Old Quad, Deer Park, and New Quad. Smaller houses face Radcliffe Square and the High Street.
In the 17th century, a third floor was added to the Old Quad. A separate chapel was built to the south. It was connected to the quad by a library.
The chapel was built in 1656. It replaced an older chapel. Materials came from a disused chapel at St Mary’s College. The chapel features a hanging fan vault ceiling of wood and plaster. It was consecrated in 1666.
The current library began in 1658. It received its first books in 1664. The books were fixed by chains. These chains were not removed until the 1780s.
Author Philip Pullman opened the renovated Greenland Library in May 2018. The project cost 4 million pounds. It provided a better working space for students.
New Quad was designed by TG Jackson. It was finished in 1911. New buildings completed the site in 1961.
Brasenose College has a rich sporting history. Brasenose College Boat Club is one of the oldest rowing clubs in the world.
Famous Brasenose alumni include former Prime Minister David Cameron. Also, the actor Michael Palin and the Nobel laureate J. Michael Kosterlitz.
From its brass-nosed origins to its modern successes. Brasenose College continues to make its mark on Oxford and the world. It is a place of tradition, innovation and community. It is all woven into the very stones around us.