The University of Oxford is a collegiate research university in Oxford, England. There is evidence of teaching as early as 1096, [2] making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world and the world's second-oldest university in continuous operation.
- 24,515 (2019)
- Latin: Dominus illuminatio mea
- Evidence of Teaching
- A Paris Ban
- A Notable Visitor
- First Overseas Student
- The Title of Chancellor
- First Colleges
- Tributes from Kings
- Religious and Political Controversy
- Scientific Discovery and Religious Revival
- The Oxford Movement
There is no clear date of foundation but teaching existed at Oxford in some form in 1096. (Image credit: Shutterstock)
Oxford developed rapidly from 1167, when Henry II banned English students from attending the University of Paris following a quarrel with Thomas Becket. (Image: Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury stained glass window in the Chapter House at Westminster Abbey. Credit: Shutterstock.)
In 1188, the historian Gerald of Wales gave a public reading to the assembled Oxford dons (university lecturers, especially at Oxford or Cambridge). As a royal clerk to the king and two archbishops, Gerald of Wales travelled widely and wrote extensively. (Image credit:Shutterstock)
In around 1190 the arrival of Emo of Friesland, the first known overseas student, set in motion the University’s tradition of developing international scholarly links. (Image credit:Shutterstock)
By 1201 the University was headed by a ‘magister scholarum (head of an ecclesiastical school) Oxonie’, on whom the title of Chancellor was later conferred in 1214, and in 1231 the Masters were recognised as a universitas or corporation. (Image: The current Chancellor, Lord Patten of Barnes.)
During the 13th century, rioting between town and gown (townspeople and students) hastened the establishment of primitive halls of residence. These were succeeded by the first of Oxford’s colleges, which began as endowed houses or medieval halls of residence, under the supervision of a Master. Established between 1249 and 1264, University, Balliol ...
Less than a century later, Oxford had achieved eminence above every other seat of learning, and won the praises of popes, kings and sages by virtue of its antiquity, curriculum, doctrine and privileges. In 1355, Edward III paid tribute to the University for its invaluable contribution to learning. He also commented on the services rendered to the s...
John Wyclif, a 14th-century Master of Balliol, campaigned for a Bible in English, against the wishes of the papacy. In the 16th century, Henry VIII forced the University to accept his divorce from Catherine of Aragon, and the Anglican churchmen Cranmer, Latimer and Ridley were later tried for heresy and burnt at the stake in the city. The Universit...
Edmond Halley, Professor of Geometry, predicted the return of the comet that bears his name. John and Charles Wesley’s prayer meetings laid the foundations for the Methodist Society. Find out more: Oxford people Famous Oxonians British Prime Ministers | University of Oxford Award winners | University of Oxford
From 1833 onwards, the Oxford Movement sought to revitalise the Catholic aspects of the Anglican Church. One of its leaders, John Henry Newman, became a Roman Catholic in 1845 and was later made a Cardinal. In 2019 he was canonised as a saint. (Image: Close-up of Cardinal Newman bust from Trinity College Garden Quad, Oxford University. Credit: Shut...
Oxford is a world-leading centre of learning, teaching and research and the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Dates of Term Dates of term, dates of full term, dates of extended terms and dates for Encaenia History of the University Oxford University can lay claim to nine centuries of continuous existence Divisions and Departments
The history of Oxford in England dates back to its original settlement in the Saxon period.Originally of strategic significance due to its controlling location on the upper reaches of the River Thames at its junction with the River Cherwell, the town grew in national importance during the early Norman period, and in the late 12th century became home to the fledgling University of Oxford.
- 01865
- England
- 8th century
- South East England
The history of the University of Oxford has lasted almost a millennium: Although no distinct founding date is known, the oldest records of teaching at Oxford date back until 1096. The oldest university in the English-speaking world is one of the world’s best universities and frequently tops national and international rankings.
24 feb 2023 · University of Oxford. Location: United Kingdom. Established in: 1096-1167. With an alumni list that includes 28 UK Prime Ministers, 20 Archbishops of Canterbury, 12 saints, 27 Nobel laureates, 50 Nobel Prize winners and one Sir Stephen Hawking, the University of Oxford is as respected as it is old.
11 ott 2013 · As early as 1096, teaching had already started in Oxford. By 1249, the University of Oxford had grown into a full-fledged university, replete with student housing at the school’s three...