20th century Jesus College, Oxford

harold wilson

in inter-war years (1918–39) jesus seen small college , of backwater; attracted relatively few pupils public schools traditionally seen prestigious. college did, however, attract many academically able entrants grammar schools (particularly in northern england , scotland). among these grammar-school boys harold wilson, later become prime minister of united kingdom. during second world war, many of fellows served in armed forces or carried out war work in oxford. college remained full of students, though, provided lodgings students other colleges buildings had been requisitioned, , housed officers on military courses.

the college had own science laboratories 1907 1947, overseen (for last 3 years) physical chemist david chapman, fellow of college 1907 1944. @ time of closure, last college-based science laboratories @ university. named sir leoline jenkins laboratories, after former principal of college. laboratories led scientific research , tuition (particularly in chemistry) becoming important part of college s academic life. brochure produced opening ceremony noted number of science students @ college had increased rapidly in recent years, , provision of college laboratories assist tuition of undergraduates, attracting jesus college graduates of university of wales wished continue research @ oxford. link between 1 of college science lecturers , imperial chemical industries (ici) led 17 students joining ici between 2 world wars, some, such john rose, reaching senior levels in company. laboratories became unnecessary when university began provide centralised facilities students; closed in 1947.

the quatercentenary of college, in 1971, saw opening of old members buildings in third quadrangle. further student accommodation has been built @ sports ground , @ site in north oxford. in 1974, jesus among first group of 5 men s colleges admit women members, others being brasenose, wadham, hertford , st catherine s; between one-third , one-half of undergraduates women. long-standing rivalry nearby exeter college reached peak in 1979, 7 police vehicles , 3 fire engines involved in dealing trouble in turl street. sir john habakkuk (principal 1967–84) , sir peter north (principal 1984–2005) both served terms vice-chancellor of university, 1973 1977 , 1993 1997 respectively.