Pembroke College, Oxford
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| Pembroke College, Oxford | |
|---|---|
 Godot13 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source | |
| Name | Pembroke College |
| Caption | The main quadrangle of Pembroke College |
| Established | 1624 |
| Named for | William Herbert, 3rd Earl of Pembroke |
| Sister college | Queens' College, Cambridge |
| Head | Sir Ernest Ryder |
| Location | St Aldate's, Oxford |
Pembroke College, Oxford. It is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in England, founded in 1624 by King James I and named in honour of William Herbert, 3rd Earl of Pembroke, then Lord Chamberlain and Chancellor of the University of Oxford. The college was established on the site of earlier halls dating from the medieval period, with its foundation charter granted following a petition from Thomas Tesdale and Richard Wightwick. Pembroke has a distinguished history of scholarship and has been associated with numerous influential figures in British politics, English literature, and international relations.
History
The college's origins lie in the earlier medieval halls of Broadgates Hall and Segrim's Hall, which occupied the site. The formal foundation was enabled by a benefaction from merchant Thomas Tesdale, supplemented by the will of clergyman Richard Wightwick. The charter was sealed by James I of England in 1624, with the college named for its visitor, William Herbert, 3rd Earl of Pembroke. Early fellows included notable scholars like John Hall. In the 18th century, the college saw figures such as Samuel Johnson, who, despite leaving without a degree due to financial constraints, later received an honorary MA. The 19th and 20th centuries were marked by expansion, including the admission of the first female students in 1979 as part of the university's wider move towards co-education. Key historical events include its role during the English Civil War and its steady growth in endowment and reputation, particularly under masters like John Houseman.
Buildings and grounds
The college's architecture spans several centuries, with the oldest section being the medieval buildings of Broadgates Hall, now part of the Old Library. The main quadrangle was constructed in the 17th century, with the chapel designed by William Townsend and completed in 1732, featuring work by artist John Gwynn. The Geoffrey Arthur Building, a modern annexe, is located across the River Thames at Grandpont. Other significant structures include the Rokos Quad, the Emden Building, and the McGowin Library. The grounds feature the Master's Garden, the Fellows' Garden, and the Rector's Garden, with views towards Christ Church Meadow. The college also maintains properties on St Aldate's and Pembroke Square.
Student life
Student life is centered around the Junior Common Room (JCR) and the Middle Common Room (MCR), which organize social and academic events. The college boasts numerous clubs and societies, including a renowned boat club that competes in Torpids and Summer Eights on the River Thames. Dramatic productions are staged by the Pembroke Players, and musical life is active with the college choir and an annual Gaudy. Formal halls are held regularly in the college hall, which features portraits of notable alumni. The college bar, The Buttery, is a popular social hub. Students also participate in wider university institutions like the Oxford Union and various sporting leagues.
Academic profile
Pembroke maintains a strong academic tradition across a broad range of disciplines. It is particularly noted for its strengths in Law, History, English Literature, and Physics. The college participates in the university's tutorial system, with teaching provided by its fellows, who include experts like Graham Shipley in Ancient History. It hosts several research centers and is affiliated with institutes such as the Oxford Internet Institute. The college library, housing the Old Library and the modern McGowin Library, contains extensive special collections, including works by Samuel Johnson and materials related to J.R.R. Tolkien. Pembroke also awards prestigious scholarships like the Rokos Scholarships and has partnerships with institutions including Yale University.
Notable alumni
Pembroke has educated a remarkable array of influential individuals. In politics and statecraft, alumni include William Pitt the Younger, the youngest Prime Minister of the United Kingdom; Senator J. William Fulbright, founder of the Fulbright Program; and Sir John Major, another former Prime Minister. Literary figures are strongly represented by Samuel Johnson, compiler of A Dictionary of the English Language; J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings; and James Fenton, poet and journalist. In science and medicine, notable graduates include Tim Hunt, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine winner; and John Ray, a pioneering naturalist. Other distinguished alumni encompass King Abdullah II of Jordan; Senator George McGovern; actor Rory Kinnear; and BBC journalist John Simpson.