Encaenia: A Day of Latin, Laurels and Legend

You get to do some pretty amazing things as High Sheriff—and today, I had the honour of attending one of Oxford’s most cherished traditions: the University’s annual Encaenia ceremony.

It’s hard to describe just how extraordinary it is to witness this ancient event from inside the Sheldonian Theatre, seated close to the new Chancellor himself, Lord Hague, presiding over the ceremony for the first time. The Latin flowed. The pageantry dazzled. And the list of Honorands was nothing short of remarkable.

Among the recipients: four-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Mo Farah, whose story of resilience and triumph continues to inspire; journalist and broadcaster Clive Myrie, a voice of integrity and clarity in turbulent times; and Lord Melvyn Bragg, who has done more than most to champion the arts and public understanding of culture.

It was especially nice to see Clive Myrie honoured—he and I share something in common, as we both hold honorary doctorates from the University of Bolton. Not many of us can say that!

We also celebrated the contributions of academic titans like historian Prof Timothy Snyder, biophysicist Prof Erwin Neher, Ukrainian history expert Prof Serhii Plokhii, literary heavyweight Prof Colm Tóibín, and scientist-entrepreneur Prof Robert Langer. The absence of former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who had also been due to receive a degree, was noted with warm regret.

The day began, as it has for centuries, with a dignified procession through Oxford’s streets—Honorands and senior academics robed in their finery—before the formal signing of the Honorary Degrees Book in the Divinity School. Then into the Sheldonian, for a ceremony that has been held in some form since 1670.

Afterwards, I joined fellow guests for a splendid lunch at All Souls College—always a magical place—followed by a joyful garden party at St Hugh’s, where sunshine, strawberries, and good conversation made for a perfect summer afternoon.

As Vice-Chancellor Professor Irene Tracey put it: “We honour eight people whose work has inspired, informed and transformed the world around us.” It was a privilege to be there among them, representing our county at its most historic, scholarly, and ceremonial best.