Administrative Records of Magdalen Hall, University of Oxford, UK

HC-X-MH

Administrative Records of Magdalen Hall, University of Oxford, UK

1656 - 1972

This collection of records is all that survives of the academic and administrative records of Magdalen Hall. It forms a separate collection from the archives of Magdalen College and is held by Hertford College as the successor organisation. Most notable is the series of 166 volumes of Buttery Books, including 14 volumes from the second half of the 17th century. Also significant are the Catalogue and Benefactors’ books for the Hall's Library founded by Henry Wilkinson. There are no admissions records prior to 1849 but there are two volumes of admissions registers covering the years 1849-1874. The rest of the collection includes records of the advowson of South Moreton in Berkshire, charitable benefactions which were made to Magdalen Hall from the 17th to the 19th century and property records for estates in Essex, Middlesex and Oxfordshire. The Property and Trust records last into the 20th century, following the evolution of Magdalen Hall into full College status with the incorporation of Hertford College in 1874.

NRA 27928

5 boxes of documents; 166 vols Buttery Books; 3 vols Library Catalogues

Access to the collection is arranged by prior appointment only. Please check with the Archivist as access to some items may be restricted due to conservation or other requirements.

Magdalen Hall emerged as a hall of residence for pupils at the 16th C Grammar School located on the site of Magdalen College in Oxford. It was distinct from Magdalen College, having won a dispute with this college over the right to elect its own Principal. In 1816, an Act of Parliament allowed Magdalen College to acquire the site of the dissolved Hertford College (formerly the academic hall known as Hart Hall) on Catte Street near the Bodleian Library. In 1821 many of the Magdalen Hall buildings were destroyed by fire and in 1822, led by Principal John Macbride, Magdalen Hall took possession of the Hertford College site. It continued on the same site as Magdalen Hall, until its incorporation as a full college by an Act of Parliament in 1874. At this point Magdalen Hall took the name of Hertford College and its land and property, including the library and archives, passed into the possession of the present day Hertford College.