Exeter College, Oxford

History

Exeter College was founded in 1314 by Walter de Stapeldon. It was originally known as Stapeldon Hall and consisted of only a Rector, a Chaplain and twelve or fourteen fellows. The college then started offering rooms to students in the late fifteenth century. Of this medieval college, all that remains is the building known as Palmer's Tower, due east of the Chapel, which takes its name from a fifteenth-century rector.

Exeter College became one of the leading colleges in the next century after a generous donation from Sir William Petre, a former undergraduate of the college. Numbers expanded, and the present hall was built in 1618, together with a matching Chapel on the opposite side of the quad. The rest of the front quad was completed in stages between 1672 and 1710. Due to the generosity of old members, the college has expanded further in the twentieth century.

Famous undergraduates that have studied and lived at Exeter College include J. R. R. Tolkien, Lord Fisher, Arch Bishop of Canterbury, and Philip Pullman. William Morris was also a Victorian undergraduate, whose work can be found within the college.

Food & beverage

A full English breakfast, plus continental options are included in the price of the room and is taken in the 17th century Dining Hall. Breakfast is served between 8.00am and 9.00am every day.

Grounds & Gardens

The fellows' garden provides a haven of quiet in which to relax and breathe in the sense of history which pervades the College. Guests are welcome to take a stroll around the gardens and witness the view of Radcliffe Square from the top of the stairs at the rear end of the garden.

Other facilities

Guests are welcome to visit the Chapel and the Dining Hall during their stay. Original William Morris artwork can be found in the Morris Room within the College. Guests are welcome to view the Morris Room on an arrangement with the college.

Washing machines and Driers are available for guests to use. Please ask for further details at the Porter's Lodge located at the main entrance of the College

If guests need to store their luggage they are able to ask the Porter on duty if there is any space to do so. Please note there may not always be room for luggage storage.