St. Johns

History of St. John’s College

John’s was founded in 1511 by Margaret Beauford. She had died a few years previously, and it was left to the executor of her will: John Fisher, to found the College in her name. However, the College was not named after Fisher, but after a hospital dedicated to St. John, the Evangelist that once stood on the site.

Student Pranks

In 1963 a group of college pranksters dangled a car from underneath the Bridge of Sighs. Having acquired a beaten up old Austin Seven from a nearby garage, the students then propelled it down the River on a few punts tied together. They used cables connected through the car’s windows and Bridge to manage to hoist it up over the River.

St. John’s Alumni

John’s alumni include William Wordsworth: English Romantic poet; William Wilberforce, and Thomas Clarkson: two leading figures to abolish slavery.

Prices and Admission

Admission Costs : Admission costs £10 for adults, £5 for seniors, students and children. Under 12s.

Opening Times : Opening times are 10am-4pm (3.30pm in winter months).