Oriel College is one of the 38 constituent colleges of the University of Oxford. It was established in 1324 and is Oxford’s oldest royal foundation.
What to see at Oriel College
The first quadrangle is the 17th-century Front Quad. This quad has a hall with a hammerbeam roof and a chapel with medieval and Victorian stained glass.
The 18th-century Back Quad (the second quadrangle) is comprised of the Robinson and Carter buildings as well as a building housing a library and senior common rooms.
The third quadrangle (St Mary’s Quad) includes a mix of architectural styles with some elements dating from the 15th century and additions made in the 17th, 18th and 20 centuries. This quadrangle includes the Rhodes building, built using a bequest from former Oriel student Cecil Rhodes.
O’Brien Quad is an island site facing High Street. Parts of this quadrangle date from the late 13th century with other elements dating from the 14th, 18th and 19th centuries. Some features of this quad include Oxford’s best-preserved medieval cellar.
Visiting Oriel College
Oriel College is located near the northeastern corner of Christ Church and just south of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin. It is less than a five-minute walk to the heart of the city centre.
The college is open to visitors between 2pm and 4pm every afternoon, except during Trinity term (which runs from mid-April to the end of June). Entry costs £2 (£1 for students and seniors)
Like other colleges at Oxford, Oriel College not all areas are open to visitors and it is occasionally closed to the public for university events.
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