Harris Manchester to celebrate 30 years as an Oxford University college

2026 marks 30 years since Harris Manchester College received its Royal Charter (pictured above) and became a constituent college of the University of Oxford. Throughout the year Harris Manchester will be commemorating this milestone with celebrations at college events, such as formal dinners, guest nights and alumni weekends.  

There will also be a 30th anniversary publication telling the story of the College's recent history in images and 30 shrubs and bushes will be planted around the gardens in honour of those who have made a particular impact since 1996.  

The College's Principal, Professor Beth Breeze, commented: “2026 is a special year for everyone involved with Harris Manchester. Marking the 30th anniversary of becoming a fully chartered college is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on all the students, staff and supporters who have enabled us to go from strength to strength over these three decades. It is also a time to remember gratefully the pioneering Unitarians who founded the college in the north of England in the late 18th century, and the efforts of those who built the college campus in Oxford in the late 19th century. Throughout 2026 we will be marking this milestone with special dinners, events and other activities. I am looking forward to welcoming back many key people who helped make this college such a friendly and successful academic community." 

A statue of a man in military uniform

Captain Charles Harris MC, the father of Lord Harris of Peckham, whose benefaction played a key role in the College receiving its Royal Charter. Harris Manchester, originally the Manchester Academy, is named in honour of Captain Harris.

Image: Edmund Blok

The 30th anniversary of the College’s Royal Charter is the first of three major anniversaries to fall in the next ten years. In 2029, the College will mark 140 years since it first moved to Oxford, from its temporary home in London, with the largest celebrations reserved for 2036 and the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Manchester Academy – the original name of Harris Manchester.