Search Open menu Home Colleges and Student Experience Our Colleges St John's College About Us History St John's College Explore St John's College Open menu Our History St John’s College was founded in 1909 as a theological college for the training of Anglican ordinands. In 1919 we became a full constituent college of the University and expanded and flourished over the following decades. In 1958 Cranmer Hall was established as a distinct but integral part of our college to train ministers for ordination, while members of John’s Hall would study for Durham University degrees in all disciplines, as they do today. St John’s has always been progressive and inclusive in its outlook and, in 1966, we became the first Church of England theological college to train men and women together. This trend continued, and John’s became the first college in the entirety of Durham University to become co-educational, in 1973. Our first female Principal, Ruth Etchells, was appointed in 1978. Our College has a strong history with the Fairtrade movement. Richard Adams, St John’s alumni and founder of Traidcraft, started selling Fairtrade products from a window out onto the Bailey with fellow St John’s students in the 1960s. Students continue to be resourceful and ethically minded, and this legacy is celebrated each year at Fairtrade formals and special events. Our buildings, mainly townhouses dating to the Georgian period, also have a rich history. Dame Elizabeth Bowes (1651-1736) lived at 4 South Bailey and is buried in the Bowes family vault at the Church of St Mary the Less. She had ten children and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother was descended from her third son, George Bowes. Prince Charles unveiled a commemorative plaque honouring his ancestor Dame Elizabeth Bowes at St John’s College, during his visit to Durham City on Thursday, 15 February 2018. The Prince’s visit began at the Church of St Mary the Less, our College chapel where he visited the memorial stone of Dame Elizabeth Bowes. The commemorative plaque is placed in honour of Dame Elizabeth at Bowes House, her former family home. Bowes House now houses student accommodation and special function rooms. List of Principals List of Cranmer Wardens 1909 – 1911 Sidney Nowell Rostron 1911 – 1919 Dawson Dawson-Walker 1919 – 1945 Charles Steel Wallis 1945 – 1953 Ronald Williams 1954 – 1955 G.J. Cumming (acting) 1954 – 1969 Jim P. Hickinbotham 1970 – 1978 John C. P. Cockerton 1978 – 1988 Ruth Etchells 1988 – 1992 Anthony Thiselton 1992 – 1999 David V. Day 1999 – 2006 Stephen Sykes 2006 – present David Wilkinson 1968 – 1970: John C.P. Cockerton 1971 – 1979: Tim Yeats 1979 – 1983: Christopher Byworth 1983 – 1992: Ian Cundy 1993 – 1996: John Pritchard 1996 – 2004: Steven Croft 2005 – 2011: Anne Dyer 2011 – 2016: Mark Tanner 2017 – present: Philip Plyming Our Values St John’s is a College with a rich heritage, open to all, providing a distinctive Christian perspective and environment in Higher Education and seeking to develop vocation in all. Read More Prince Charles unveiling a commemorative plaque honouring his ancestor Dame Elizabeth Bowes at St John’s College in 2018. Contact Durham University Website Feedback Durham University on Twitter Durham University on Facebook Durham University on LinkedIn Durham University on YouTube Durham University on Instagram The University About Us Jobs Contact Us Visit Us Our Colleges Academic Departments Statements and Policies Notices Statement on Modern Slavery Freedom of Expression Covid-19 Information Website Accessibility Student Complaints and Non-Academic Misconduct Business Services Helping Business Analytical Services Global Durham International Consortia Research & Partnerships Useful Links Learn Ultra DUO Banner Self Service Staff Directory Technician Commitment The Palatine Centre Durham University Stockton Road Durham DH1 3LE Charitable Status Disclaimer Trading Name Cookie Policy Privacy Notices ©2021 Durham University