Ad Portas: A History

On 23 April 2026, Winchester College hosted one of its traditional Ad Portas ceremonies, honouring the Right Reverend Philip Mounstephen, Lord Bishop of Winchester. Read on to find out about the meaning, origins and history of Ad Portas, including some of the other distinguished guests we have welcomed over years.

What is Ad Portas?

Ad Portas is a formal welcome by Winchester College to distinguished visitors. It translates as ‘At the Gates’. Since 1873, when the current version of the ceremony was first performed, we have welcomed 121 Honorands ‘Ad Portas’, including royalty, bishops and eminent Old Wykehamists.

The ceremony involves all pupils and staff gathering in Chamber Court. The distinguished guest is formally welcomed by the Aulae Prae (Prefect of Hall), who delivers a Latin speech. The distinguished guest then makes a speech in response, before the Sen Co Prae (Senior Commoner Prefect) calls for three cheers. An Evensong service followed the recent ceremony for Bishop Philip Mounstephen.

In 1952, the whole of Winchester College greeted the Bishop of Winchester, ATP Williams, in Chamber Court - a flint, medieval building dating from 1397 - in a traditional ceremony known as Ad Portas. All the pupils and teachers form a circle around the Bishop. On the left of the Bishop is the Headmaster. On his right is the Warden.

Connections with Election

The ceremonies of Ad Portas and the Election of Scholars to Winchester and New College are closely bound by history. The statutes of Winchester College required that the Warden of New College along with two of his Fellows were to travel to Winchester annually for the Election of Scholars.

On their arrival at Winchester College for Election, the New College party would be greeted by the school, the Prefect of Hall delivering a Latin speech of welcome ad portas. Historical references to this arrival suggest that the welcome was conducted from under Middle Gate.

The Public Schools Act of 1868 resulted in changes to the election of scholars to both Winchester College and New College, meaning the Warden of New College was not required to be present at Election.