History of the Chalet published 

Thursday 09 June 2022
Oxford University on Mont Blanc: The Life of the Chalet des Anglais cover

Students from Oxford have attended summer reading parties at the Chalet des Anglais on Mont Blanc since 1891, when Francis Urquhart (‘Sligger’ to all) opened his family’s summer retreat to fellow students while still a Balliol undergraduate. He led parties as a Balliol Fellow until his death in 1934 and provided for its continued existence. The Chalet fell out of use in the Second World War and Univ (University College), as a result of family connections, opened it again in 1952, in partnership with New College until Sir Anthony Kenny (Master 19781989) brought Balliol back in 1970. This led to the three-College Trust which administers the Chalet today. 

Now Stephen Golding (Emeritus Fellow, Univ, and Chalet trustee) is publishing Oxford University on Mont Blanc, which tells the story of the Chalet’s summers and the lives which were shaped there. 

An eccentric combination of primitive living, study and strenuous outings on the mountain against a background of youthful exuberance have secured for the Chalet des Anglais a thriving life as survivor of a tradition long lost elsewhere. And this has been in spite of destruction by fire, neglect of the fabric, risk of insolvency and two world wars and the social changes which followed. 

The story includes politicians like Harold Macmillan (Balliol 1912), diplomats such as Sir Patrick Reilly, civil servants such as Sir William Tyrrell, lawyers, doctors, writers, churchmen, academics, Gertrude Bell and Violet Bonham-Carter, all of whom spent time at the Chalet. The author describes it as ‘A tale amusing for its eccentrics, poignant in relationships, tantalising in near loss but above all life-affirming in camaraderie and the glory of the mountains.’

Tony Kenny (far left) with a party at Tête Rousse with, on his left, Camilla, Jennifer and Jonathan Barnes, and others

Those interested in purchasing a copy of the book should contact stephen.​golding@​univ.​ox.​ac.​uk

If you would like to make a gift to the Chalet Fund, please go to www​.alum​ni​web​.ox​.ac​.uk/​b​a​l​l​i​o​l​/​s​u​p​p​o​r​t​/​c​halet.

Right: Tony Kenny (far left) with a party at Tête Rousse with, on his left, Camilla, Jennifer and Jonathan Barnes.