The earliest records we have of a college on the same spot as St. Johns is today are records of what was St. Bernard’s college, from 1467. It was used to train Cistercian monks until it’s destruction, during Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries. All that remains of the old college is a statue of St. Bernard over the gateway, along with a statue of Bishop Chichele, founder of St. Bernard’s.

In 1555, some time after the destruction of St. Bernard’s, wealthy merchant and former Mayor of London Sir Thomas White founded St John’s College. He also has a statue at the entrance. The college remained affiliated with other organisations founded by White, such as the Merchant Taylor schools, until the 19th century.

Since then, the college has expanded greatly. Many buildings have been refurbished, and the college has received investment from people such as Archbishop Laud (A fellow of the college) in the 1630s, and King Charles I and his Queen.

The library contains a variety of medieval items, including original versions of the Canterbury Tales, and James I’s prayer book. Visitors are allowed to browse and borrow from the library.

Tony Blair was educated at this college.