St. John's College, Durham University

St. John's College, Durham University St John's College

We are delighted to welcome David van der Linden to St John’s this term as Fellow-in-Residence and Barker Visiting Fello...
07/05/2026

We are delighted to welcome David van der Linden to St John’s this term as Fellow-in-Residence and Barker Visiting Fellow of the Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies (IMEMS).

David is Assistant Professor in Early Modern History at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. His research focuses on religious conflict, coexistence, and peacebuilding in early modern France. During his time in Durham, David will work closely with Professor Tom Hamilton as co-editor of The Oxford Handbook of the French Wars of Religion, bringing together contributions from almost thirty international scholars. He will also continue research for his current project, Building Peace: Transitional Justice in Early Modern France, funded by the Dutch Research Council. This explores how societies emerging from conflict sought to achieve peace, accountability, and reconciliation following the French religious wars.

David’s work speaks closely to St John’s growing interests in peacebuilding, reconciliation, history, and heritage, and we are very pleased to welcome him to the College community.

Delighted to welcome John’s alumni Andrew and Katherine Miller back to College today.Andrew (Engineering, 2007–11; Senio...
01/05/2026

Delighted to welcome John’s alumni Andrew and Katherine Miller back to College today.

Andrew (Engineering, 2007–11; Senior Bar Officer 2009–10) and Katherine (née Donaldson, Theology & Education, 2009–12) met at John’s and returned to share fond memories on a tour with SJCR President Oliver.

Always special to see Johnians back where it all began💙

We loved having the Mayor and Mayoress of Durham at tonight’s Latingate Formal, among other distinguished guests💙
29/04/2026

We loved having the Mayor and Mayoress of Durham at tonight’s Latingate Formal, among other distinguished guests💙

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Revd Sarah Heslop as our new Chaplain.Sarah studied History at the Unive...
27/04/2026

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Revd Sarah Heslop as our new Chaplain.

Sarah studied History at the University of Oxford before working as a teacher in London, Leipzig (Germany), and Cambridge. She has been closely involved in church and community life in and around Durham for many years, before training for ordination at Lindisfarne College of Theology. She has spent the past three years serving her curacy in the villages of Byers Green, Croxdale, Kirk Merrington and Tudhoe, all close to Durham.

Sarah says: 
“Having lived locally for many years and having come to know many people connected to St John’s College, and as a DThM (Doctor of Theology and Ministry) student here myself, I know what a special place it is. Serving this wonderful community is a real privilege and one I am deeply excited about. I’m looking forward to getting to know the many people who make up this wonderful community, to walking and worshipping alongside them in the years to come.”

Professor Jolyon Mitchell, Principal, says: 
“We are delighted to appoint Revd Sarah Heslop as Chaplain. The role remains central to the life and work of St John’s, and we look forward to working with Sarah as she brings wisdom, care, and a strong sense of vocation to the College, our students, and staff.”

Revd Dr Nick Moore, Warden of Cranmer Hall, adds: 
”Sarah brings a combination of energy, enthusiasm, and a deep spirituality. We greatly look forward to her joining the College. As Chaplain she will not only oversee our worshipping life, but also attend to the spiritual needs of all of our students and staff within both John’s Hall and Cranmer Hall.”

Sarah will take up the role on 1 June 2026, subject to the completion of the usual administrative and safeguarding requirements.

Down by Hammersmith bridge waiting for our John’s VIIIs to fly by💙
28/03/2026

Down by Hammersmith bridge waiting for our John’s VIIIs to fly by💙

This is an amazing opportunity to make a unique contribution to the College community! Open to current St John’s postgra...
27/03/2026

This is an amazing opportunity to make a unique contribution to the College community! Open to current St John’s postgraduate students who will hold college membership during the 2026–27 academic year. To apply check out our website.

It’s the first day of Spring and the last day of term. The gardens at John’s are full of life 💙 whatever your plans for ...
20/03/2026

It’s the first day of Spring and the last day of term. The gardens at John’s are full of life 💙 whatever your plans for the break, hope you get a chance to soak up some springtime outdoors🌷🌿

‘Shall I compare thee to a stem cell?’ Last night’s Festival Dinner was rich and action packed. The SJCR President, draw...
19/03/2026

‘Shall I compare thee to a stem cell?’
 
Last night’s Festival Dinner was rich and action packed. The SJCR President, drawing on his Biosciences degree, compared individual exec members to biological structures such as the liver, DNA, the immune system, and the golgi apparatus.
 
We said fond farewells: to Etchells Fellow Rachel Goodman, who shared a poignant poem about her time in Durham; and to Chaplain Liz Kent, who rapped Coolio’s Gangster’s Paradise with adapted lyrics and then dropped the mic Obama style to a standing ovation.

It’s really feeling like Spring has sprung around College and yesterday we celebrated with a family Easter Egg Hunt and ...
17/03/2026

It’s really feeling like Spring has sprung around College and yesterday we celebrated with a family Easter Egg Hunt and craft session! 🐣 💙

Yesterday we marked University Mental Health Awareness Day with a fun filled programme of events aimed at connecting and...
12/03/2026

Yesterday we marked University Mental Health Awareness Day with a fun filled programme of events aimed at connecting and unwinding - including therapy dogs, writing, crafting and snacking!

At tonight’s Presidents Formal we enjoyed the company of no less than seven former SJCR Presidents💙 This included Ruth Y...
12/03/2026

At tonight’s Presidents Formal we enjoyed the company of no less than seven former SJCR Presidents💙 This included Ruth Young (née Hulse, 1978-79), our first ever female President! Will Powell, President-elect, was formally gowned by Oliver Davis, current President, and the Principal reflected on our responsibility to be lightbearers💡

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3 South Bailey
Durham
DH13RJ

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