Since its foundation in 1610, Wadham College has expanded significantly and has relied greatly on legacies from Fellows, old members and friends to maintain and further its aspiration in all fields. Virtually every major building, scholarship and facility in the College owes something to a benefaction. Since 1950 alone, there have been three major building programmes, adding substantially to the number of rooms available, and providing a modern library building. These developments have been greatly helped by the generosity of old members through gifts and legacies.

Legacies have always played a significant role in the development of the University and of the colleges indeed Wadham itself was created through a legacy left by Nicholas. Famous amongst them are those that created the Ashmolean Museum and the Bodleian Library, but even those great institutions would not be here today without the continuing support they have received over the years, much of it from further legacies.

The 1610 Society was developed specifically to promote legacy giving – developing a group of like-minded people who provide Wadham College with adequate funds to allow it to maintain its heritage and provide for a proud future.

Joining the 1610 Society
Membership of the 1610 Society is open to those who pledge to remember the college in their wills or who have made donations totalling £10,000 in their lifetime. For more information, please contact the Development Office (see the Contact page). You may also wish to call John Simms on 01865 240023. John is an Oxford-based solicitor who matriculated in 1964. He has kindly agreed to help the 1610 Society by offering confidential advice on incorporating legacies into your will.

List of 1610 Society Members

Legacy Brochure

Codicil Form