The will of Cecil John Rhodes (1853-1902) created scholarships which came to be called the Rhodes Scholarships, and appointed Trustees to oversee the implementation of Rhodes' vision.

Rhodes designed the Scholarships for the purpose of educating future leaders for the world. He had studied at Oxford and believed that its collegiate system especially fostered broad views and personal development.

There were originally 52 scholarships. During the ensuing 100 years, the Trustees added at one time or another approximately another 40 Scholarships, though not all have continued. Some of these extended the scheme to Commonwealth countries not mentioned in the will.

The first women Scholars came to Oxford in 1977.

In 2003, to mark the centenary of the Rhodes Scholarships, and to honour Nelson Mandela, the Rhodes Trust joined in the creation of the Mandela Rhodes Foundation.

Chairs of the Rhodes Trust                                   Wardens of Rhodes House

The Earl of Rosebery, 1902-1917                                                      Sir Francis Wylie, 1903-1931                                                         

Viscount Milner, 1917-1925                                                               Sir Carleton Kemp Allen, 1931-1952

Sir Otto Beit, 1925-1930                                                                    Sir Edgar Williams,  1952-1980

Lord Lovat, 1930-1933                                                                      Dr Robin Fletcher, 1980-1989

The Rt Hon L. S. Amery, 1933-1955                                                   Sir Anthony Kenny, 1989-1999                                                    

Sir Edward Peacock, 1955-1962                                                        Dr John Rowett, 1999-2004

Sir Kenneth Wheare, 1962-1969                                                       Sir Colin Lucas, 2004-2009

Sir George Abell, 1969-1974                                                              Dr Donald Markwell, 2009-

Viscount Harcourt, 1974-1979

Sir William Paton, 1979-1982

Lord Blake, 1983-1987

Sir John Baring (Lord Ashburton), 1987-1999

Sir Richard Southwood, 1999-2002

The Rt Hon Lord Waldegrave, 2002-            

Reading

R.I. Rotberg, The Founder: Cecil Rhodes and the Pursuit of Power (Oxford University Press, New York, 1988).

Anthony Kenny (ed.), The History of the Rhodes Trust (Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2001).

Philip Ziegler, Legacy: Cecil Rhodes, The Rhodes Trust and Rhodes Scholarships (Yale University Press, New Haven and London, 2008).

These books are available for purchase through Rhodes House. Please contact: admin@rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk.

                           
                       Three generations of Wardens. Standing, from left to right:         Successor Wardens. From left to right: Sir

                       Lady Wylie and Sir Francis Wylie, Sir Carleton Allen and Lady        Anthony Kenny and Lady Kenny and Mrs

                       Allen, and seated, Lady and Sir Edgar (Bill) Williams.                   Jinny and Dr Robin Fletcher.

The Rhodes Trust warmly welcomes applications from talented young women and men of diverse backgrounds. Selection of Rhodes Scholars is made without regard to gender, marital status, race, ethnic origin, colour, religion, sexual orientation, social background, or disability.

The Rhodes Scholarships

 Leaders for the world's future

 
Rhodes House, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RG, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1865 270902
Email: admin@rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk

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