Corpus Christi College, Oxford

Corpus Christi College is one of Oxford’s smaller but historically rich colleges. It was founded in 1517 by Richard Foxe, Bishop of Winchester, a statesman and churchman who had served under Henry VII and Henry VIII. Shaped by Renaissance humanist ideals, the college placed strong emphasis on classical languages, biblical scholarship, and the study of original texts. Its library was established alongside the college and became notable for its remarkable collection of books in English, Latin, Greek, and Hebrew.

Corpus Christi is especially remembered for its role in the translation of the King James Bible. Commissioned by the Crown, scholars connected with the college formed part of the groups responsible for translating Scripture from Hebrew and Greek into English. Their work included books from the Prophets, from Isaiah to Malachi, as well as the four Gospels, Acts, and Revelation. The project took eleven years and was completed with the Bible’s publication in 1611.

The Main Quad has the enclosed, honey-coloured character many people associate with old Oxford, with the tower, dining hall, and chapel among its key features. At its centre stands the Pelican Sundial, placed there in 1581. Crowned by a pelican, the college’s emblem, it refers to the old legend of the bird feeding its young with its own blood, a symbol of Christ’s self-sacrifice. A second quad was added in the 18th century, with the Neo-classical Fellows’ Building and views toward Christ Church Meadow. Corpus is also known for Oxford’s eccentric inter-collegiate tortoise race, which takes place every June.