Oriel College unveils plans for 700th anniversary

Oriel College, Oxford University, has shared its plans for celebrating 700 years since its foundation. The fifth oldest college in Oxford received a royal charter, granted by King Edward II, on 21 January 1326.

Lord Mendoza, Oriel College Provost, said:

“The anniversary is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our people and place throughout 700 years of continuous existence. I look forward to welcoming everyone to the college during our year of events. Oriel’s royal foundation predates Gutenberg’s printing press by over 100 years and the Civil War, during which the college hosted senior members of the King’s government, by over 300 years. It’s a great honour to be Oriel College’s Provost for this illustrious moment in our history.”

The 2026 programme announcement:

• Exhibition with public viewings showing treasures from the college’s archive and collections and objects on loan from alumni and other historic institutions.
• Three ‘Inspiration Days’ bringing together leading academics to discuss one of three themes (‘Being Human’, ‘Past and Future’ and ‘Risks and Opportunities’).
• ‘Celebration of Sport’ day-event including talks by notable alumni sportspeople.
• Commemoration ball for Oxford students, alumni and guests.
• Anniversary weekend for alumni and guests featuring a classical concert on Friday evening, ball on Saturday and family garden party on Sunday.
• Reunion dinners for alumni from each decade (‘Decade Dinners’).

Marco Zhang, Director of Development at Oriel College, said:

“Few institutions in all of history have opened doors for so many, for so many centuries, nor had as significant an impact, as Oriel College. There has been much excitement among our community for the 700th anniversary and what events we’ll be holding during the year. I’m delighted to finally be able to share our plans.”

Claire Toogood KC, Chair of Oriel Alumni Advisory Committee, said:

“Oriel College has put together a wonderful programme of events and I hope that as many of our alumni and friends as possible will join the 700th anniversary celebrations.”

Notes to editors

Oriel College is a constituent college of Oxford University delivering world-class teaching and research.

Currently, Oriel College has around 320 undergraduates, 240 postgraduate students and 47 fellows. Lord Mendoza CBE is the Provost.

King Charles III is the college’s official Visitor. Queen Elizabeth II visited five times as the Visitor during her seven-decade reign, and once as heir to the throne.

Many notable figures have been associated with Oriel College throughout its history, including two saints and, in the past century alone, two Nobel laureates and at least 10 Olympic medallists.

In 2026, Oriel College marks 700 years since its royal foundation by King Edward II.