Trinity College, Oxford

Trinity College, Oxford

Latin: Collegium Sanctae et Individuae Trinitatis
Motto	Virtus Vera Nobilitas (Virtue is the True Nobility)
Type	Constituent College of the University of Oxford
Established	1555
Endowment	£141 million (as of 2018)
President	Dame Hilary Boulding
Students	Approx. 400
Undergraduates	Approx. 300
Postgraduates	Approx. 100
Location	Oxford , United Kingdom
Campus	Urban
Colors	Dark blue and white

Trinity College, Oxford is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in Oxford, United Kingdom. It was founded in 1555 by Sir Thomas Pope, on the site of the former Durham College, originally established in 1286. Trinity has traditionally been regarded as one of the university's most aristocratic colleges, and it is situated in the heart of Oxford, near landmarks such as the Bodleian Library and the Ashmolean Museum.

History

Trinity College was founded by Sir Thomas Pope, a devout Catholic and an advisor to Queen Mary I. Pope intended Trinity as a bastion of the Catholic faith during the Protestant Reformation. However, following the accession of Queen Elizabeth I, the college's religious orientation shifted to Anglicanism. Over the centuries, Trinity has been known for its commitment to academic excellence and has produced a number of notable alumni.

Buildings and Grounds

The college's architecture is primarily Tudor and Jacobean, with some more modern buildings. The main entrance of the college leads to the Front Quadrangle, surrounded by the old dining hall, chapel, and residential rooms. The chapel, notable for its fine interior, was completed in 1694 and is a significant example of English Baroque architecture.

Academic Profile

Trinity offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, but it is particularly renowned for its courses in Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Law. The college maintains a strong academic record and is known for its intimate tutorial system, which fosters close interaction between students and tutors.

Student Life

Student life at Trinity is vibrant, with numerous clubs and societies, including the Trinity College Choir, known for its excellence. The college also competes in sports, rowing being a particularly strong tradition, with the Trinity Boat Club being one of the oldest in Oxford.

Notable Alumni

Trinity College has a long list of distinguished alumni, including:

• Richard Francis Burton, the explorer and linguist
• Terence Rattigan, the playwright
• Laurence Binyon, the poet and scholar

In Popular Culture

Trinity College has been featured in various works of fiction and film, often depicted as a quintessentially elite and traditional Oxford college.

See Also

• List of colleges of the University of Oxford
• History of the University of Oxford