All of the items and lectures included in this exhibition illustrate the relationship between Merton and its neighbouring Jewish communities: both at its foundation in the 13th century, and later, with scholarly interest in Hebrew as a sacred language in the 16th-17th centuries, led by Thomas Bodley and Henry Savile. The study of Jewish history at Merton has continued in more recent times with the famous historian Cecil Roth.
Inspired by a series of lectures and an exhibition hosted at Merton College and the Heritage Committee of the Oxford Jewish Congregation, July 2014 - more information can be found here.
As part of Merton's centenary commemorations of the First World War, we have been researching the stories behind the names of the Mertonians who died in service during 'the war to end all wars'.
Currently housed in Mob Library, the Merton 1264 exhibition explores the early life of Merton College, starting with its foundation by Walter de Merton in 1264.