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From: 161 Spring 2025
Author: Peter Smith
Up to about the 12th century, the walls protecting Oxford were the responsibility of the Mayor and Citizens of Oxford. On the King’s demand, they had to be in a good state of repair in the interests of national security. The following text was substantively taken from the official programme for the event.
In June 1379, King Richard II gave leave to William of Wykeham, the Founder of New College, to acquire certain plots of land on the north-east side of the town which were uninhabited - a place of gravel and sand pits where robbers lurked. William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester, built New College in such a position that the then town walls could not be inspected from inside without going on to New College ground. A condition of the Royal Grant, therefore, was that the College should keep the walls in repair and make two posterns, one at each end of the property, that the Mayor might pass through every three years to view the walls. For this purpose, the Founder made a gate which opened into Queen’s Lane, called “Non licet Gate”.
There is every reason to suppose that the triennial inspection of the walls was carried out right up to the 20th Century. The custom appears to have lapsed during the 1914-18 war but was revived in 1957, inspired by the then Warden of New College, Mr A H Smith, who expressed a wish that the inspection should be resumed before he retired.
On 23rd October 2024 there was a procession of Councillors headed by the Lord Mayor accompanied to his side by our Chair, the group in turn led by the City Mace Bearer. The route followed along High Street then up Queens Lane to the small discreet gated doorway. Robust tapping on the sturdy “Non licet gate” eventually led to us being admitted, to be greeted by the Warden, Mr Miles Young, and Fellows of the College, with a party of schoolchildren also in attendance. The College party then led the Civic party to mount specially erected scaffolding steps onto the ancient walls. An inspection duly took place by the Lord Mayor and others in the Civic party. The Lord Mayor confirmed he was content with its condition, presumably to the relief of the College!
An unusual tradition well worth keeping alive albeit with an obvious cost to the College. Our Chair was honoured to be invited to join it, in such a prominent position accompanying the Lord Mayor.
If Freemen have not seen the stretch of wall within New College, it’s well worth a visit as its very impressive. It comprises several hundred metres with bastions and ramparts. We understand access to the College grounds is free of charge to Oxford residents (ID required – check their website), but usually New College opens its doors for free during Oxford Open Doors weekend in September.
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