The Feud

The Very Reverend Martyn Percy leaves his post as dean of the world-famous Christ Church, Oxford, with a seven-figure settlement after a bitter dispute that pitted a lone reformer against an institution.But what really happened amid the Alice in Wonderland world of Oxford's dreaming spires?The Times's feature writer Andrew Billen heads down the rabbit hole to find out.

Christ Church, Oxford: a bastion of higher education since the 16th century that produced some of the country’s best and brightest, and is home to a very British way of life. When The Very Reverend Martyn Percy - a reformer from a working-class background - was appointed dean in 2014, everything looked promising. Until it didn’t. Andrew Billen explores the city's dreaming spires to find out why.Host: Andrew Billen, feature writer, The Times

A stabbing, a scandal, and a battle over job descriptions. Andrew exposes the bureaucratic dispute that spirals into bitter war between Martyn Percy and Christ Church’s governing body. Behind the formal manners and age-old statutes, a plot is being devised to oust the dean at any cost.Host: Andrew Billen, feature writer, The Times.Clips: Walt Disney Studios

Christ Church stalls when a student asks for protection, yet when Martyn Percy is accused of impropriety he is suspended within days. What at first appeared a battle over different styles of governance now carries the stain of misconduct - and divisions widen within the college.Host: Andrew Billen, feature writer, The Times.

Breaking point as the college dons question Martyn Percy’s mental capacity.He accuses them of smear campaigns, and an ill-judged essay likening his plight to Nazi persecution triggers outrage. Costs soar, reputations crumble, and the University of Oxford itself is forced to intervene. After four long years, a deal is struck. But at what cost?Host: Andrew Billen, feature writer, The Times