Devorgilla, Countess of Galloway Founded Balliol College, Oxford

Devorgilla, Countess of Galloway, is credited with founding Balliol College, Oxford, in the late 13th century. A wealthy and influential noblewoman, she established the college in memory of her husband, John I de Balliol, who had begun supporting poor scholars at Oxford before his death.

Devorgilla formally endowed Balliol College in 1282, ensuring its permanent foundation. She also drew up its first statutes, laying the groundwork for one of the oldest and most prestigious colleges at the University of Oxford.

She was the mother of John Balliol, who would go on to become King of Scots in 1292, chosen by Edward I of England to rule after the death of Margaret, Maid of Norway. Devorgilla died in 1290, just two years before her son’s brief and turbulent reign began.