William of Durham Day 2026

On Saturday 23 May, Old Members and friends as well as their guests gathered for William of Durham Day 2026. The annual event recognises current members of Univ’s William of Durham Club, who have pledged a legacy to the College, and also welcomes those considering this special form of giving.

As guests arrived at College, they were guided to the Alington Room for refreshments and an opportunity to meet other attendees.

Philip Burnett, former Assistant Librarian at Univ, then delivered a talk titled The Worlds of Christian Cole, which brought a focus to the life of Christian Cole, the first Black African to be awarded an Oxford Degree. The talk shed light on the various worlds Christian Cole inhabited, spanning Sierra Leone, Oxford and Zanzibar, and explored the ways in which he was shaped by these places and impact he himself had on each.

Next, Univ’s Archivist Dr Robin Darwall Smith (1982, Classics) delivered a talk on Christian’s Cole’s Univ, in which he discussed Univ as an environment in the 1870s with reference to the then Master, George Bradley, who supported Cole.

Following the talks, guests were invited to view an exhibition which included Cole’s entry to the College Admissions Register as well as a pamphlet that he wrote on the Zulu Wars. Also on display were two cartoons depicting Cole which the College has recently acquired for their historical significance.

After the talk and exhibitions had finished, guests enjoyed pre-luncheon drinks. Lunch was then served in Hall where the atmosphere was one of relaxed enjoyment and guests were able to engage in conversation with their fellow diners and share stories from their time at Univ.

Guests returned to the Alington Room after lunch for a musical performance by harpist Alice Boyle followed by some free time to explore the College grounds at their own pace. Tea and cake were then served in the Alington Room, marking the final part of the planned activities.

As always, the William of Durham Day was an enjoyable event with attendees making full use of the opportunity to spend time in College and connect with other members of the Univ community.