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Mansfield College, Oxford

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Mansfield College is one of the 39 constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in England. Out of the 30 colleges that accept both undergraduates and graduates, Mansfield College is the smallest both in terms of student numbers and the size of its premises - the only exception to this rule being Harris Manchester College which is restricted to mature students only and has its membership numbers kept lower at the insistence of the University authorities. As of 2006 the college had an estimated financial endowment of £12 million.

History

Originally only members of the established Church of England were permitted to attend Oxford or Cambridge University as students. Mansfield was the result of a successful attempt to circumvent this ban on non-Anglican denominations attending university. The college was founded (under the name of Spring Hill College) in Birmingham, as a college for Nonconformist students. The college moved to Oxford following the relaxation of the religious restrictions, and was founded in its present form in 1886. It was the first non-conformist Oxford college. The magnificent Victorian buildings were designed by Basil Champneys.

The radical history of the college is particularly noticeable in the college chapel. It is a non-consecrated space and it contains a unique selection of stained glass windows and statues depicting leading figures from the nonconformist movements, including Oliver Cromwell, Sir Henry Vane and William Penn among many others. In 1940, whilst he was a lecturer at University College, future British Prime Minister Harold Wilson married Mary Baldwin in this chapel, although he was not a member of the college.

In 1955 the college was granted the status of a Permanent Private Hall within the University of Oxford. In 1995 a Royal Charter was awarded giving the institution full college status. With an undergraduate population of little more than 200 at any time, Mansfield remains the smallest undergraduate college in the University.

The college has many strong links with American schools due to its nonconformist roots. It has a long established tradition of accepting roughly 30 "Junior Year Abroad" students from the USA every year. These students come to study in Oxford for one academic year and have full access to its libraries and designated tutors, although they do not become matriculated members of the University.

In spite of the relatively small student population (just over 300, typically, with graduates and visiting students included), Mansfield is known as a college which ‘punches above its weight’, with an increasing presence across the University. One example is the Mansfield College Boat Club which is very active and popular amongst the students, achieving results at the level of some of the biggest colleges. Mansfield's reputation for food around the university is excellent, especially its bi-termly black tie formals. The college also has a reputation for producing a disproportionate number of student journalists.

Geographical location

The spacious grounds of Mansfield College occupy one of the most attractive sites in Oxford near to the University parks and River Cherwell. The 1886 buildings, which houses most of the College's public rooms, are regarded as amongst the finest work of the important Victorian architect, Basil Champneys.

College grace

'(ante cibum) Omnipotens Deus, clementissime Pater, omnis boni fons, in donis tuis gaudentes nomen tuum magnificamus, per Jesum Christum Dominum nostrum.''

"(before the meal) Almighty God, Father of mercies and fount of every good, in the enjoyment of thy gifts we bless thy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord."

The college's pre-supper grace was translated into Latin from the Welsh version originally prepared for the University College of North Wales.

Fellows

Dr Albert Schweitzer, theologian and famous Bach expert was a special lecturer at Mansfield and often performed on the chapel organ. Among the notable academic staff is the Reverend Dr John Muddiman, G. B. Caird Fellow in New Testament Theology, and Michael Freeden, director of the Centre for Political Ideologies and founding editor of the Journal of Political Ideologies. Jocelyn Bell Burnell, the British Astrophysicist most famous for first discovering radio pulsars, is currently a visiting professor. As of the 21st of June 2007, the College has been able to number amongst its honorary fellows Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the USA. Will Hutton, prominent journalist, economist and head of the Work Foundation, is also an honorary fellow of Mansfield.

Domestic Staff

The college porters are also notable characters. Hugh Flint who has now retired, was the drummer for John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers and appeared on their first two albums, the second of which featured Eric Clapton. He later formed the band McGuinness Flint.

Notable former students

Alumni of Mansfield College include:

Mansfield College Photo Gallery

References

External links



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Last updated on Friday March 07, 2008 at 06:19:42 PST (GMT -0800)
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