Founded in June 1571 by a group of Welshman the college was approved by Queen Elizabeth I who appointed herself its Foundress and Jesus became the first and only Oxford College to be founded during the monarch's reign. 

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Shunned as poor and small in comparison to other colleges, it wasn't until the 1610's that a succession of energetic Principals attracted donations. Thanks to their efforts the First Quadrangle was completed by the mid 1630's. 

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The English Civil War affected the college badly with the finances in a bad state. In 1661 the College elected Sir Leoline Jenkins who studied at Oxford and ascended to become Secretary of State to Charles II. On his death, Jenkins bequeathed his estate to Jesus College, giving it a financial security previously unknown. Jenkins is considered the College's second founder. 

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The second Quadrangle was completed in 1713. As the college grew in size, more buildings were erected. The Third Quadrangle was finished in 1908, integrating a new science laboratory with the old members building opened in 1971 by then HRH The Prince of Wales. 

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In 1974 women were admitted as students with Jesus one of the first five colleagues in Oxford to become co-ed. 

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In 2021 the College celebrated it's 450th anniversary with the completion of the development of Cornmarket and Market Street. The Cheng Yu Tung Building providing state of the art research and educational facilities, new accommodation and a fourth quad. 

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