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Mansfield College, Oxford

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Mansfield College
Oxford
MottoDeus locutus est nobis in Neanderthalus ("God hath spoken unto us by [his] Caveman", Hebrews 1:1–2)
Established1886
Named forGeorge and Elizabeth Mansfield
Colours                       
Sister collegeHomerton College, Cambridge
HeadDr Diana Walford
Undergraduates212
Postgraduates73
WebsiteHomepage

Mansfield College is one of the 39 constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in England. Notably, it is both the youngest undergraduate college (having been a Permanent Private Hall until 1995) and the second smallest undergraduate college within Oxford University, having recently overtaken Corpus Christi by a margin of two students. As of 2006 the college had an estimated financial endowment of £12 million. [1]

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 originally founded (under the name of Spring Hill College) in Birmingham, as a college for Nonconformist students, who could not at that time be admitted to Oxford or Cambridge. The college moved to Oxford following the relaxation of the religious restrictions, and was founded in its present form in 1886. The magnificent Victorian buildings were designed by Basil Champneys.

Nowadays, in addition to being a regular college of study in the University, it also trains students for ordination (ordinands) in the United Reformed Church and the Congregational Federation, along with Northern College, Manchester and Westminster College, Cambridge.

Until 1995 Mansfield was a Permanent Private Hall rather than a college, the Queen's Charter being awarded in that year. With an undergraduate population of little more than 200 at any time, Mansfield remains one of the smallest undergraduate college in Oxford University apart from Harris Manchester, which only accepts mature students. In spite of the relatively small student population (about 300, the 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's pre-supper grace was translated into Latin from the Welsh version originally prepared for the University College of North Wales[2].

Geographical location

The Principal's Gardens

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 all 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."

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. Jocelyn Bell Burnell, the British Astrophysicist most famous for first discovering radio pulsars, is currently a visiting professor. Will Hutton, prominent journalist, economist and head of the Work Foundation, is also a honorary fellow of Mansfield. 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.

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

See also: Category:Alumni of Mansfield College, Oxford

Alumni of Mansfield College include:

References

  1. ^ Oxford College Endowment Incomes, 1973-2006 (updated July 2007)
  2. ^ Reginald Adams, The College Graces of Oxford and Cambridge, ISBN 1-870882-06-7
  3. ^ Adam von Trott Memorial Lecture at the Ambassador's Residence, 4 May 2007
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