All Souls College
All Souls College, a constituent college of the University of Oxford, stands as a unique and often enigmatic institution within the venerable academic landscape of Oxford. Unlike its counterparts, All Souls distinguishes itself by admitting only Fellows, eschewing the traditional undergraduate student body. This singular characteristic sets it apart, fostering an environment dedicated exclusively to advanced research and scholarly pursuit.
Founded in 1438, the college has cultivated a reputation for unparalleled academic rigor and intellectual excellence. Its prestige extends globally, drawing scholars and researchers from various disciplines who seek to contribute to and benefit from its vibrant intellectual community. The absence of undergraduates means that the college’s resources, both intellectual and physical, are entirely devoted to supporting its Fellows in their research, making it a true haven for concentrated academic work.
This article will delve into the rich history, distinctive architecture, academic life, and unique traditions that define All Souls College, exploring why it remains one of the most prestigious and fascinating institutions in the world.
Architecture and Grounds
All Souls College is renowned not only for its academic distinction but also for its stunning architecture and meticulously maintained grounds, which contribute significantly to Oxford's iconic skyline. Situated at the heart of the University of Oxford, at the corner of High Street and Catte Street, the college boasts a collection of historic buildings that showcase various architectural styles.
Among its most iconic structures are the Codrington Library, the majestic twin towers, and the serene chapel. The original buildings, constructed after its founding in 1438, initially comprised a single quadrangle. However, significant architectural additions and modifications have occurred over the centuries. The eye-catching mock-Gothic twin towers on the North Quad, for instance, were the work of Nicholas Hawksmoor in the early 18th century. While initially met with some criticism for their departure from existing Oxford aesthetics, they have since become a distinctive and beloved feature of the college.
The architectural style predominantly reflects English Gothic, with decorative crenellation being a prominent feature, common in both ecclesiastical and collegiate buildings of the era. The chapel, forming the north range of the original quadrangle, is a central element of the college's spiritual and architectural heritage. The Codrington Library, a Grade I listed building, also dates from the 18th century and is celebrated for its remarkable classical interior housed within a Gothic exterior, making it a unique example of library design.
Notable landmarks within the college grounds include the Great Quadrangle and the Front Quadrangle, offering visitors a glimpse into centuries of academic life. The careful preservation and integration of these historical structures with functional academic spaces underscore All Souls' commitment to its heritage while fostering a modern research environment.
The Codrington Library
The Codrington Library, located within All Souls College, is widely regarded as one of Oxford’s most beautiful and historically significant libraries. Its construction in the early 18th century was made possible by a substantial legacy from Christopher Codrington (1668-1710), a former Fellow of the college. While the library was known by his name for centuries, the college decided in 2020 to cease referring to it as the Codrington Library due to his connections to enslavement, though the building itself remains a testament to architectural and scholarly ambition.
The library’s architectural design, primarily by Nicholas Hawksmoor, is notable for its classical interior harmoniously enclosed within a Gothic exterior, a distinctive feature that sets it apart in the history of library design. It is a Grade I listed building, reflecting its immense historical and architectural value.
Its collection highlights are extensive, encompassing a vast array of rare books, manuscripts, and specialized academic texts. The library actively collects materials on diverse subjects, including Caribbean history and culture, the history of global enslavement, decolonization, and social movements, reflecting a commitment to broad and inclusive scholarship. These collections are invaluable resources for researchers across various disciplines.
Accessibility to the library is primarily for students, Fellows, and researchers. While the college itself has specific visiting hours for the public, access to the library’s special collections can be limited due to ongoing building work or by appointment. However, the library staff are committed to providing access support, with level access to the main library area and ramps available for single steps, ensuring that registered readers can utilize its rich resources.
Academic Life at All Souls
Academic life at All Souls College is fundamentally distinct from that of other Oxford colleges, primarily due to its unique structure: it admits no undergraduate students. This singular characteristic means that the college is entirely dedicated to advanced academic pursuits, fostering an environment exclusively for postgraduate research and the work of its Fellows.
The focus at All Souls is squarely on research. The college offers various types of fellowships, attracting scholars at different stages of their careers. These include Post-Doctoral Research Fellowships, which are typically five-year, non-renewable positions for those who have recently completed or are about to complete their doctorates. Senior Research Fellowships are also offered, attracting established academics in specific fields. Additionally, Visiting Fellowships are available for scholars who wish to conduct study and research in Oxford and participate in the college's academic life.
The most distinctive and highly competitive entry point into the academic community of All Souls is through its Examination Fellowships, formerly known as Prize Fellowships. These are seven-year fellowships open to those who have recently completed a first degree, and they are awarded based on a notoriously difficult examination. While Fellows are involved in teaching and supervising research, their primary role is to engage in their own scholarly work, contributing to the college's reputation as a leading research institution in the humanities and social and theoretical sciences.
This structure cultivates a prestigious academic environment where intellectual exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration thrive among a community of accomplished scholars. The absence of undergraduate teaching responsibilities allows Fellows to dedicate themselves fully to their research, contributing to a vibrant and intellectually stimulating atmosphere that is unparalleled within the University of Oxford.
The Famous All Souls Fellowship Exam
The All Souls Fellowship Exam is legendary, widely regarded as one of the hardest, if not the hardest, examinations in the world. This reputation stems from its unique format and the exceptional intellectual demands it places on candidates. Each autumn, around 150 top Oxford graduates from various disciplines vie for typically two coveted Examination Fellowships.
The selection process is rigorous and distinctive. Candidates undertake four three-hour written papers over two days. Two of these papers are in a chosen specialist subject (such as Classical Studies, Law, History, or Philosophy), while the other two are general papers. The general papers are particularly infamous for their abstract and open-ended questions, often requiring candidates to synthesize knowledge across vast fields and present original, well-reasoned arguments under immense time pressure. For example, past questions have included prompts like, "Should we bring back woolly mammoths from the dead?" or "What eligibility rules should apply to athletes who are transgender or intersex?".
Myths and realities abound concerning the fellowship process. One popular myth, which persisted until 2010, was the "single word essay" where candidates had to write an essay on a single word. While this specific format has been discontinued, the essence of the exam remains: to identify individuals with extraordinary intellectual capacity, originality of thought, and the ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity and depth. The exam is not about rote memorization but about demonstrating a profound understanding and critical engagement with a wide range of subjects. Success in this examination is seen as a testament to intellectual brilliance and promises a seven-year fellowship dedicated to research without specific teaching obligations, a rare privilege in academia.
Traditions and Culture
All Souls College is steeped in a rich tapestry of traditions and unique customs that contribute to its distinctive culture, setting it apart even within the historically rich environment of Oxford University. These traditions often blend academic solemnity with quirky historical practices, reflecting the college's long and storied past.
Perhaps the most famous, and certainly the most unusual, of these traditions is the 'Hunting of the Mallard.' This ancient custom, dating back at least to 1632, is celebrated only once every hundred years. According to legend, a very large mallard flew out of a drain during the college's construction, and the Fellows commemorate this event by parading around the college with flaming torches, singing the 'Mallard Song,' and led by a designated 'Lord Mallard'. While there is no actual mallard to be found, the procession dutifully 'hunts' it throughout the college for several hours, singing the unique song. This rare and elaborate ceremony underscores the college's deep connection to its history and its embrace of eccentric academic customs.
Beyond the centennial Mallard ceremony, the 'Mallard Song' itself is sung annually at the Bursar's Dinner in March and at the college's Gaudy (a reunion dinner for alumni). Other annual events and customs contribute to the college's vibrant social and academic life, though many are private affairs for Fellows. The college also plays a significant role in broader Oxford ceremonies, with its members often participating in university-wide academic processions and events.
All Souls College also hosts prestigious lecture series, such as the Chichele Lectures, formally established in 1912. These lectures attract leading scholars and contribute to the wider academic and cultural life of the university and beyond. The college's culture is one of intense intellectual engagement, combined with a deep respect for its historical roots and the unique traditions that have been passed down through generations of Fellows.
Visiting All Souls College
For those interested in experiencing the unique atmosphere and architectural grandeur of All Souls College, visiting is possible, though with certain restrictions due to its primary function as a research institution. Unlike many other Oxford colleges, All Souls does not have a constant flow of undergraduate students, which influences its accessibility to the public.
Members of the public are generally welcome to visit the College Front and Great Quadrangles, as well as the Chapel. This access is typically free of charge for individual visitors or small groups (up to six people). Larger groups usually need to obtain prior permission from the Bursar.
The best times to visit are usually in the afternoons. The college is generally open to visitors from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on weekdays and Sundays, provided the college is not closed for special events or during specific periods like August, Easter, and the Christmas break. It is always advisable to check the official All Souls College website for the most up-to-date visiting hours and any potential closures before planning a visit.
What visitors can see inside includes the impressive architecture of the quadrangles, offering views of the iconic twin towers and the historic chapel. While access to the Codrington Library is generally restricted to registered readers and researchers, the exterior views and the overall ambiance of the college grounds provide a profound sense of history and academic gravitas. Events like Oxford Open Doors, an annual festival celebrating Oxford’s heritage, can sometimes offer extended or special access to areas not typically open to the public, providing a unique opportunity to explore more of the college’s hidden gems.
Notable Fellows and Alumni
All Souls College has been home to an extraordinary array of distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions across various fields, including politics, literature, science, and law. While the college primarily focuses on its Fellows, many have gone on to achieve prominence, shaping intellectual discourse and public life.
Among the most celebrated figures associated with All Souls is Sir Christopher Wren, the renowned architect responsible for rebuilding St. Paul's Cathedral and numerous other London churches after the Great Fire of London. His time at All Souls undoubtedly contributed to his intellectual development and later achievements.
In the realm of law, William Blackstone, a Fellow of the college, delivered the first Oxford lectures on common law in 1753 and later became the first Vinerian Professor of English Law, profoundly influencing legal education and jurisprudence. More recently, the Rt Hon Sir Launcelot Henderson has been recognized as a Distinguished Fellow in Law.
Philosophy and humanities have also seen significant contributions from All Souls Fellows. Notable philosophers include J. L. Austin and Sir Isaiah Berlin, both of whom were instrumental in shaping 20th-century thought. Bernard Williams, another prominent philosopher, also had ties to the college.
The college has also produced influential figures in politics and public service, such as Leo Amery, a prominent politician, and Cosmo Gordon Lang, a former Archbishop of Canterbury. In the natural sciences, Professor Dame Angela McLean is a distinguished Fellow. This rich legacy of intellectual talent underscores All Souls College's enduring role as a crucible for exceptional minds, fostering an environment where groundbreaking research and profound insights are cultivated, ultimately contributing to the advancement of knowledge and society at large.
Conclusion
All Souls College, Oxford, stands as a truly exceptional institution, a beacon of intellectual pursuit that defies the conventional model of a university college. Its unique structure, characterized by the absence of undergraduates and an exclusive focus on postgraduate research and fellowships, sets it apart not just within Oxford but on the global academic stage. From its founding in 1438 by Henry VI and Archbishop Henry Chichele, with the solemn purpose of commemorating the fallen of the Hundred Years’ War, the college has evolved into a vibrant hub for advanced scholarship.
The college’s architectural splendor, from the iconic twin towers to the historic Codrington Library, provides a magnificent backdrop for the rigorous intellectual life conducted within its walls. While the library’s naming has seen recent re-evaluation, its vast collection of rare books and manuscripts continues to serve as an invaluable resource for scholars worldwide. The academic environment, free from the demands of undergraduate teaching, allows its Fellows to dedicate themselves entirely to groundbreaking research, fostering an atmosphere of profound intellectual exchange.
The legendary All Souls Fellowship Exam, often dubbed the hardest in the world, is a testament to the college’s commitment to identifying and nurturing exceptional talent. This rigorous selection process ensures that only the most brilliant and original thinkers join its ranks. Coupled with its distinctive traditions, such as the centennial ‘Hunting of the Mallard,’ All Souls maintains a rich cultural identity that blends deep historical reverence with a unique academic ethos.
In essence, All Souls College continues to play a pivotal role in shaping intellectual life at the University of Oxford and beyond. Its enduring prestige and cultural value lie in its unwavering dedication to pure scholarship, its unique community of Fellows, and its remarkable ability to blend ancient traditions with contemporary academic excellence. It remains a fascinating and vital institution, a testament to the enduring power of concentrated intellectual endeavor.