New College commemorates Belgian Refugees housed during the First World War

Yesterday evening, New College was honoured to welcome the Belgian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Jeroen Cooreman, to unveil a commemorative plaque at 8 New College Lane. This plaque marks the building's historic role in housing Belgian refugees during the First World War. 

The event was held in collaboration with the Oxford University Belgian Society and brought together members of the Belgian community in Oxford and Cambridge, alongside students and academics. The commemoration celebrated the College's history of offering refuge and support during a time of great upheaval in Europe. 

In his opening remarks, the Warden of New College, Miles Young, reflected on the College's proud connection with Belgium, both past and present. He spoke movingly about the scale of the refugee crisis that followed the German invasion of Belgium in 1914, noting that some 250,000 Belgians sought shelter in the UK - a displacement on a scale comparable to recent refugee movements. Oxford, he explained, became a significant reception centre, with New College offering housing in buildings historically occupied by Savilian Professors, including 8 New College Lane and properties on Holywell Street. Quoting from the writings of former Warden H. A. L. Fisher and the poetry of Thomas Hardy, Young stressed the warmth with which Belgians were received and the importance of remembering this “almost completely forgotten” chapter of history. 

The Belgian Ambassador also addressed the gathering, expressing his gratitude for the solidarity shown by New College over a century ago. Further remarks were made by Arthur Coppée, Co-President of the Oxford Belgian Society, and Rakoen Maertens, Juliana Cuyler Matthews Junior Research Fellow in Psychology at New College, highlighting the significance of the occasion for the Belgian community today.

Following the unveiling, guests enjoyed a drinks reception held in the Warden's Garden and were invited to view an exhibition curated by local historian Liz Woolley and College Archivist Michael Stansfield. The display brought to life the experiences of the Belgian refugees who found shelter in Oxford, with archival documents, photographs, and personal stories The evening concluded with a formal dinner in Hall. 

This occasion not only honoured the past but reinforced New College’s commitment to remembrance, community, and international connection.