It was founded in 1619 by Edward Alleyn, a successful Elizabethan actor and contemporary of Ben Jonson and William Shakespeare.
Famous students have included P. G. Wodehouse, Raymond Chandler, Sir Ernest Shackleton, C. S. Forester, Phil Manzanera, and Michael Ondaatje.
The 'New College' buildings were designed by Charles Barry, son of the architect of the Palace of Westminster of the same name.