Honouring Benefactors

The College was established in the first place by philanthropy, and has been sustained by benefactors ever since. Balliol has honoured its benefactors through the many centuries of its existence. The very name of the College is taken from the founder, John Balliol, and his wife Dervorguilla of Galloway, Lady of Balliol. The stained glass of the fifteenth-century Library and the nineteenth-century Hall include the crests of numerous benefactors, and many buildings - such as Fisher's Building, where Benjamin Jowett gave tutorials in the 1850s - are named after those who donated or bequeathed money to the College.

One of the most ancient traditions still observed by the College is the saying of the Bidding Prayer. This recites, in the chronological order of their deaths, the names of our major benefactors since the earliest days. It is traditionally read out by the Master in Chapel on special occasions, especially at the service before the annual Gaudy, and on the feast of St Catherine of Alexandria, the College's Patron Saint.

The College has received throughout its history gifts from benefactors in memory of a loved one. These In Memorium gifts are warmly welcomed by the College, and are recorded in its publications. Also, instead of flowers at a funeral, some families ask for mourners to make a gift to Balliol. Further information about the Bidding Prayer can be found on Balliol's Website

For those leaving a bequest to Balliol in their Wills, the College has established the Greville Smith Society. Members of the Society meet once a year at College with Fellows. Please read more about bequests and the Greville Smith Society.