Exeter College Oxford: History, Fantasy Legends & Gilbert Scott Chapel

Tucked just behind Radcliffe Square along Turl Street, Exeter College, Oxford, is the fourth-oldest college in the University of Oxford. Renowned for its warm intimacy, breathtaking Victorian Gothic chapel, and elevated garden overlooking the Divinity School, Exeter holds a magical place in the hearts of visitors and scholars alike.

While many know Exeter as the academic home that inspired fantasy world-builders like J.R.R. Tolkien and Philip Pullman, its history stretches back over 700 years to the reign of King Edward II. But how did a medieval hall founded for Devonian clergy grow into a cradle for modern fantasy literature and world-renowned scholarship? Here is the rich history, literary heritage, and architectural marvels behind Exeter College, Oxford.

1. Medieval Foundations & The Devonshire Connection

Exeter College boasts a fascinating origin story tied directly to the West Country of England.

• Founded in 1314: The college was established by Walter de Stapeldon, Bishop of Exeter, to educate young men from Devon and Cornwall destined for the priesthood.

• A Modest Medieval Beginning: Initially known as Stapeldon Hall, it operated on a modest scale for centuries before expanding into a major university foundation under Queen Elizabeth I.

• West Country Roots: For hundreds of years, Exeter maintained strong regional ties, drawing top scholars, poets, and thinkers from southwestern England into Oxford's intellectual orbit.

2. A Cradle for Fantasy: Tolkien, Pullman & Morris

Exeter College has played an unprecedented role in shaping modern fantasy literature and artistic movements.

• J.R.R. Tolkien: The author of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit studied Classics and English Language and Literature at Exeter from 1911 to 1915. His time in Exeter's historic library and quads deeply influenced his language studies and early mythology.

• Philip Pullman & Jordan College: Philip Pullman, creator of His Dark Materials, studied English at Exeter. He modelled the fictional "Jordan College"—Lyra Belacqua's home—directly on Exeter College.

• William Morris & Edward Burne-Jones: In the 1850s, artist William Morris and painter Edward Burne-Jones formed the famous "Exeter Brotherhood" here, helping spark the Pre-Raphaelite and Arts and Crafts movements. The college chapel proudly displays their magnificent Adoration of the Magi tapestry.

3. Architectural Wonders: The Chapel & Fellows' Garden

A walk through Exeter College reveals some of the grandest architectural views in all of Oxfordshire.

• The Gilbert Scott Chapel: Designed in the 1850s by Sir George Gilbert Scott and modelled on the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, Exeter's soaring Gothic Revival chapel features delicate stone vaulting, vibrant stained glass, and exceptional acoustics.

• The Fellows' Garden View: Perched high above Radcliffe Square, the peaceful Fellows' Garden offers one of Oxford's premier vantage points, looking directly across at the Radcliffe Camera, All Souls College, and the Old Bodleian Library.

• Palmer's Tower: Dating back to 1432, Palmer's Tower stands as the oldest surviving stone structure at Exeter, serving as the original gatehouse into the medieval college.

Bring Home a Piece of Oxford Tradition

 

Whether you are inspired by the fantasy world of J.R.R. Tolkien, the soaring Gothic architecture of Exeter's chapel, or the timeless elegance of Oxford's historic streets, celebrate your love for the City of Dreaming Spires with authentic gifts and traditional keepsakes.

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