Jesus College requires 24 hours advance booking

A coat of arms featuring three white unicorns with golden antlers on a green shield background.

Founded in 1571 by Queen Elizabeth I, Jesus College is the only Oxford college established during the Elizabethan era. Perfectly situated in the very centre of the city, it sits directly opposite Exeter College where J. R. R. Tolkien once studied, and forms an elegant, largely self-contained enclave hidden behind historic gates.

Unusually for an Oxford college of its period, Jesus was not founded by an ecclesiastical figure, but by a layman: Dr Hugh Price of Brecon. This early connection to Wales became a defining feature of the college’s identity for centuries. Although less pronounced today, echoes of its Welsh heritage remain in architectural details throughout the college including decorative dragons, emblems, and heraldic references into the stonework.

Architecturally, Jesus spans more than four centuries of Oxford history: from its dignified First Quad, begun in the late 16th century, through to one of Oxford’s newest edifices. At the heart of the college is its beautiful and intimate Dining Hall, a warm panelled space that captures the atmosphere of an Elizabethan foundation.

The college chapel, though modest in scale and restored multiple times is distinguished by its serene proportions and fine woodwork, offering a glimpse into the devotional life of the early modern period.

Jesus boasts a varied and compelling list of alumni, including T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia), former UK Prime Minister Harold Wilson. Philip Pullman is an Honorary Fellow.

A visit to Jesus College can be included in any of our Introductory, or bespoke tours. Oxford History Tours guides can arrange entry with one day's notice, making it an excellent addition for visitors wishing to explore a college rich in history, beauty.

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  • "Fascinating tour by a wonderful guide!"

    Michael, USA

  • "My history tour with Sophie was informative and entertaining. The horror was made funny and the ridiculous serious. I was surprised by how much I didn't know and went away with new insights into, not only the university's history and traditions, but the history of England generally. I also got some good ideas for the rest of my stay in Oxford. Thank you!"

    James, UK

  • "Sophie offered us a tailor-made tour that perfectly met our expectations."

    Steve, Munich, Germany

  • "Wonderful tour about Oxford, very knowledgeable guide. We enjoyed every minute of it."

    Maria, USA

  • "Sophie is a congenial host with vast knowledge of the colleges and general Oxford area. Good communication and instruction for meet up. Would highly recommend her tour!"

    Andrew, New York, USA

  • "Sophie is so knowledgeable! Oxford is a city of history, and she knows it so well. Her recommendation for our dinner after the tour was perfect! She also took care of me beforehand in suggesting other things to do before her tour. She’s the best. A pro’s pro!"

    Kori, USA

  • "This tour was a lovely introduction to Oxford University. As a recent transplant from the US, it was a great way to get my bearings of the area, visit a college, and learn about some fascinating local history. Whether we were gazing at gargoyles or admiring beautiful stained glass, Sophie was a true delight – very knowledgeable, thoughtful, and well-articulated. I highly recommend this experience!"

    Megan, USA

  • "Fascinating, thoughtfully constructed tour of Oxford University encompassing a thousand years of history. I've lived in Oxford for thirty years, yet in this tour learned new and intriguing nuggets about the city, discovered hidden gems in ancient stone buildings that I've been strolling past all these years."

    Maria, Oxford, UK

  • "Sophie is a superb, experienced and enriching guide. We are a retired US professional couple. We've hired individual local guides throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia, and Sophie tops our list! She spent hours with us in advance, curating our day in Oxford, then filled our tour with history, architecture, art, education, culture…and fun. The day was perfectly paced and suited to our needs. It was a graduation day, so like the happy students, we too tossed our hats in celebration. Brava Sophie!"

    K & A Krupsky, Chicago, USA