Brasenose College Archives and History

Brasenose College was founded in 1509 by Sir Richard Sutton, a Lawyer and William Smyth, Bishop of Lincoln. A Royal Charter, dated 1512, created the body of Principal and Fellows and established a College to be called 'The King's Hall and College of Brasenose'.

The College's unusual name refers to a twelfth century 'brazen' (brass or bronze) door knocker in the shape of a nose. Noses have been used as symbols for Brasenose College throughout its history.