Legend has it that in 1675, Cornelius van Tromp, a Dutch admiral and renowned toper, had to be taken back to his lodgings by wheel barrow, after a bibulous evening with some dons (of which college, we know not).

Sconcing may be brought to bear when a college member disapproves of someone's behaviour at table. Sconceable offences include talking at dinner about women, religion or politics (all bad for the digestion) or referring to the portraits hung in hall (which smacks of 'making' conversation).

When the challenge is issued, the college sconce pot is brought, full of (usually) beer, and the offender has to stand on the table and attempt to down it in one go. The amount varies from two pints at Corpus, Oriel or Jesus, up to three and three quarter pints at St John's. if the attempt is successful, the challenger may then be sconced in turn. The final loser pays for the beer.

Though often threatened, sconcing is rarely carried out these days.