Balliol College

college, University of Oxford, England, United Kingdom

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June 18, 2026

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Balliol College is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in England. It was founded around 1263 by John de Balliol, a Scottish magnate, and his wife Dervorguilla. The college was established to support students pursuing higher education. Balliol College is known for its historical significance within Oxford and its contributions to academia. It is one of the oldest colleges in Oxford, with its charter granted in 1282.123

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John de Balliol
…regarded as the founder of Balliol College, Oxford; he was the father of John de Balliol, king of Scots. The elder John served (1251–55) as guardian of the young Scottish king Alexander III. His loyalty to King Henry III of England in the Barons’ War (1264–67, against rebellious nobles led…
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…regarded as the founder of Balliol College, Oxford; he was the father of John de Balliol, king of Scots. The elder John served (1251–55) as guardian of the young Scottish king Alexander III. His loyalty to King Henry III of England in the Barons’ War (1264–67, against rebellious nobles led…
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University of Oxford
History of Oxford University
Balliol College was founded about 1263, and Merton College in 1264.
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Balliol College was founded about 1263, and Merton College in 1264.
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