Jesus College

Jesus College Oxford was founded in 1571 by Hugh Price, a Welsh lawyer, politician and clergyman. Upon approving the foundation, Queen Elizabeth I appointed herself its Foundress, and Jesus became the first and only Oxford college established during the monarch’s reign. Most of the College’s early Principals, Fellows and students came from Wales, leading to Jesus College becoming known as the ‘Welsh college’ at Oxford. The Elizabethan Dining Hall, Chapel, and Principal’s Lodgings in the First Quad are still used for their original purpose. In 1974, Jesus College became one of the first five Oxford colleges to admit women students, and a flagstone at the Turl Street entrance celebrates this moment.

Notable alumni include the founder of the African National Congress (ANC) Pixley ka Isaka Seme (1906), TE Lawrence (later known as Lawrence of Arabia, 1907), former British Prime Minister Harold Wilson (1934), broadcasters James Burke (1957) and Francine Stock (1976), and authors William Boyd (1975) and Francesca Simon (1977).

The College is located in the heart of Oxford city centre, close to transports links, and offers a wide range of meeting and conference facilities for up to 200 delegates, as well as accommodation out of term time.

The new Cheng Kar Shun Digital Hub is fully accessible, and offers exceptional meeting and conference spaces (for up to 200 delegates), centred on a stunning four storey-high atrium. Its elegant Buchanan Tower Room provides a unique setting for meetings, drinks receptions and modern dining experiences. 

The purpose-built Ship Street Centre has an attractive reception area, a lecture theatre seating 100, and two smaller meeting rooms. There are further meeting and seminar rooms available in College, each with Wi-Fi and a range of AV equipment.

Jesus College Turl Street, Oxford OX1 3DW