The college was founded in 1314. It is still located at its original site. Exeter College was founded by Walter de Stapeldon from Devon. He was the bishop of Exeter and later treasurer to Edward III. When founding the college, its aim was to educate clergy.
When it was founded, the college was known as the Stapeldon Hall and was significantly smaller: only twelve to fourteen students would attend. From the 15th century onwards, the college grew and offered rooms to its students. At that time, the Chapel was built.
In the 16th centurySir William Petre, a former Exeter graduate, helped to transform the college with generous donations. The college was expanded. As a result of this, Exeter College became one of the leading colleges in the University.
The present Hall was built in the year 1618 with the rest of the college completed by 1710. In the 18th century the college experienced declining popularity, as did all the other colleges at the time. Reforms at the university in the 1850s helped to end this stagnation.
The college expanded again in the 20th century when it acquired new buildings. This helped accommodate more undergraduate students. Until 1978 the college did not allow women, but in 1993 Exeter College was the first of the former all-male colleges to elect a woman as its head.
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