Blue Plaque unveiled to honour William Spooner

In a moment bringing together history and humour, a blue plaque was unveiled on Saturday 19th September at the former home of William Archibald Spooner on Keble Road. A man whose name became synonymous with ‘Spoonerisms’, he is often remembered for his light-hearted, linguistic slip-ups. Yet, Spooner’s legacy at Oxford and New College is far richer, encompassing academic distinction, scholarship and lasting impact. 

Having been educated in Oswestry, Spooner was accepted into New College as an undergraduate student in 1862. Following a First in Classics in 1866, he was elected a Fellow of the College. Spooner remained at New College for over sixty years, serving as Fellow, Lecturer, Tutor, Dean, and in 1903, Warden. 

Miles Young, the current Warden of New College, reflected on Spooner's legacy at the unveiling: 

As we unveil the Blue Plaque, let’s not just imagine he was simply a frivolous figure. In fact, in the University he was one of the leading proponents of extending the syllabus into science. He served as Chairman of the Council of Lady Margaret Hall, the first womens’ college. He was a lifelong supporter of Oxford House, the High Church University Settlement in the East End of London, in Bethnal Green. And he was a major force behind the curiously named “Anti-Mendicity Society” – helping the homeless.

Now part of the University of Oxford Department of Computer Science, 11 Keble Road housed William Spooner and his family from 1882 to 1903 before they moved to the Warden’s Lodgings. 

This occasion served as a reminder of the enduring legacy of one of Oxford’s famous (yet often misremembered) figures.

Seven direct descendants of Spooner pictured in front of his portrait in New College Hall.