[2] It is named after Josephine Elizabeth Butler, a 19th-century feminist and social reformer who had a significant role in improving women's public health and education in England.

[citation needed] The college also has extensive leisure facilities including a library, study spaces, sports hall, outdoor tennis court and music room.

[4] It is located within the Howlands Farm site along South Road, next to Stephenson College, Durham.

[7] The arms represent in large the heritage of Josephine Butler, with the lion argent being a symbol of the Grey family.

[9] A large multi-purpose hall is also contained in the building that is used to host formal dinners and paves the way for some sports activities, where badminton and table tennis clubs practice.

[4] Josephine Butler is built around a grass-covered hill called "the Mound", which stands between it and Stephenson College.

The main four accommodation blocks are all named after locations related to Josephine Butler's life: she was born in Milfield, spent a lot of her early life in Dilston, died in Wooler and is buried in Kirknewton.

[15] The society is primarily known in college for its formal that is held in Michaelmas term every year, involving a Murder Mystery style format.

Some of the sports available include: football, rugby, badminton, boxing, running, rowing, lacrosse, basketball, dance etc., as well as more varied activities such as cheerleading, ultimate frisbee, pool, and darts.

In the same year a 24-hour charity cricket match was held in the Howlands, which raised over £700 for the Glenn McGrath Foundation.

[needs update] In 2015, a BCBC VIII beat 3 other boats including the University of Leeds to get to the final of Durham Regatta.