Hertford College Oxford: History, The Bridge of Sighs & Famous Alumni

If you have ever stood in Catte Street admiring the historic heart of Oxford, your eyes were undoubtedly drawn to the sky to gaze at the magnificent covered skyway connecting two stone quadrangles. This is the world-famous Bridge of Sighs, the indisputable architectural centrepiece of Hertford College, Oxford.

Positioned directly opposite the Bodleian Library and the Sheldonian Theatre, Hertford College occupies one of the most envied locations in central Oxford. Known today for its warm, progressive spirit, egalitarian culture, and academic excellence, Hertford has a complex history marked by medieval halls, financial ruin, and a spectacular modern rebirth. But how did a medieval academic hall evolve into one of Oxford’s most iconic visual landmarks? Here is the rich history, famous literary ties, and architectural heritage behind Hertford College, Oxford.

1. A Story of Rebirth: From Hart Hall to Hertford College

The history of Hertford College is unlike almost any other in Oxford, featuring a centuries-long saga of name changes, closures, and eventual triumph.

• Hart Hall (1282): The college traces its origins to 1282, when Elias de Hertford established Hart Hall on the site where the college’s Old Quad stands today. For centuries, it flourished as a popular academic hall catering to medieval scholars.

• The First Charter and Dissolution (1740–1816): In 1740, Principal Richard Newton successfully obtained a charter to transform the hall into the first Hertford College. However, due to financial hardship and lack of endowments, the college fell into decay and dissolved entirely by 1816.

• The Refounding of 1874: Thanks to a generous financial endowment from wealthy financier Thomas Baring, the institution was refounded in 1874 as a full, permanent constituent college of the University of Oxford, regaining its rightful place among Oxford’s premier academic houses.

2. Architectural Marvels: The Bridge of Sighs & The Quad

Hertford’s location across New College Lane inspired one of the most recognisable architectural features in Great Britain.

• Hertford Bridge (The Bridge of Sighs): Designed by Sir Thomas Jackson and completed in 1914, the covered stone skyway links the college's Old Quad with its New Quad across New College Lane. While popular myth claims it was modelled on Venice's Rialto or Bridge of Sighs, its design actually closely mirrors Venice's Rialto Bridge.

• The Old Quadrangle: Featuring a charming mixture of 16th, 17th, and 19th-century architecture, the Old Quad includes the college’s Jacobean chapel, historic dining hall, and the ancient entrance lodge.

• Pioneering Open Access: In the 1960s and 1970s, Hertford pioneered the "Hertford Scheme," an innovative admissions strategy designed to actively recruit top-performing students from state schools, establishing its reputation as one of Oxford's most welcoming and inclusive colleges.

3. Intellectual Giants, Literary Legends & Political Leaders

Hertford College has educated a remarkably diverse array of thinkers, writers, and world leaders who have left an indelible mark on history.

• Thomas Hobbes: The legendary 17th-century political philosopher, author of Leviathan, studied at Hart Hall in the early 1600s, developing his foundational theories on governance and human nature.

• Evelyn Waugh & Brideshead Revisited: Author Evelyn Waugh studied history at Hertford in the 1920s. He drew heavily upon his undergraduate experiences at Hertford when writing his celebrated novel Brideshead Revisited, basing the college of protagonist Charles Ryder directly on Hertford.

• William Tyndale: The pioneering 16th-century scholar who produced the first English translation of the Bible directly from Hebrew and Greek texts was educated at Hart Hall.

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