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Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus!


Today is St David's Day; a very important date in the calendar for students at Jesus College!

Jesus College was founded at the request of a Welshman, (Dr Hugh Price, Treasurer of St David's Cathedral) and to this day maintains a strong connection to its Welsh roots.

How can this connection be seen today?

  • About 15% of the current undergraduates are Welsh, some from Welsh-medium schools.

  • The entrances to the staircases in second quad are decorated with chalk drawings of Welsh dragons.

  • The Habakkuk Building was opened by HRH The Prince of Wales in 1971 as part of the College's 400th anniversary celebrations.

  • Many of the college's former principals were Welsh.

  • Academically, Jesus College is one of the world's centres of excellence for Celtic Studies.

How do Jesus celebrate St David's Day?

Old members and friends of the college are invited for a special St David's Day tea. After this, a service is held in chapel, conducted almost entirely in Welsh! Formal dinner is then served in the main hall and the choir often sing in Welsh, providing a lovely backdrop to the evening.

Jesus is hugely proud of its Welsh connection and today provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate in true Welsh style!

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