Balliol College

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Chronologically, Balliol is placed third, its statutes being issued in 1284, two years after those of University College. The founder, John de Balliol, was a powerful baron with estates on both sides of the Scottish border. His wife Dervorguilla, was a descendant not only of the Kings of Scotland but also of the Saxon house and Alfred the Great.

In 1254 John de Balliol fell foul of the Bishop of Durham, the outcome of which was that, in expiation he was called upon `to devote money for ever to maintain poor scholars at Oxford'. Balliol kept his pledge, probably between 1263 and 1268 sixteen scholars being maintained by him until his death, when his wid­ow took this responsibility more seriously, extending the property and in 1282 issuing the College's statutes, which laid down in great detail how the students were to live, be taught and behave.

Balliol through the centuries has had a chequered history, and at one time had the reputation of virtual ruin through the heavy drinking of its scholars. The story goes that the vice-chancellor, who at that time was the President of Trinity, in his extreme age, 'was found sitting in his garden throwing stones at such of the windows of Balliol as had any glass in them, as if happy to contribute his share in completing the appearance of ruin.'

Under a series of famous masters, such as Dr. Jowett, from the beginning of the last century, the college gradually reached the high level of scholarship it now enjoys.

Of the ancient buildings, nothing unfortunately has survived, but the old chapel, known to have been in use until 1529 is "conjecturally identified with the dining-room of the master's house." The shell of the present library may well be the most ancient of the college's buildings now standing. The drawing is of the dining-hall which dates from 1877.

Further dates : Upper Library 1431 to c. 1480, First Quad c. 1450/1868, Second Quad 1714, 1769, 1826, 1853, Gatehouse 1866, Chapel 1856.

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