EXETER COLLEGE. A college of Oxford University. It was founded about 1314 by Wal ter de Stapeldon, Bishop of Exeter, for a rector, twelve scholars from the Diocese of Exeter, hold ing degrees in arts, and a scholar-chaplain. The foundation was a self-governing corporation, whose revenues, however, according to a some what frequent mediaeval custom, were vested in another corporation, the Dean and Chapter of Exeter. Another curious provision was the an imal election of the rector. The scholars first occu pied two hostels. Hart Hall and Arthur Hall. and the establishment seems to have been called, from its founder, Stapeldon Hall. Tn 1565 Sir Wil liam Petre obtained a new charter for the founda tion from Queen Elizabeth, and completely reor ganized it, on the model of other Oxford colleges. The scholars were removed to buildings on the present site of the college, the rector was made a permanent official, and the name was changed to Exeter College. Scholarships were added by Petre and others, among whom in later years Charles 1. was one, and the institution took on a
new lease of life. The organization of the col lege was materially changed by the general re adjustments in the university and colleges of reeent years. New buildings have been added to the already picturesque quadrangle. Of these the chapel is especially noteworthy. It was de signed by Scott, and has, as part of its interior decoration, a piece of splendid tapestry, designed by Burne-Jones and executed by William Morris. Of the older buildings, the hall is one of the most notable in the university. Among the dis tinguished men who have been connected with the college are Archbishops Seeker and Marsh; Bishops Conybcare, Mai:a mess, Prideaux, and Ball; Anthony Ashley Cooper, first Earl of Shaftesbury; John Ford, the dramatist; Sir T. Coleridge, Lord Coleridge; J. A. Fronde, the his torian; Burne-Jones, William 'Morris, F. 1). Maurice, and Lye11.