U
| Oxford University | University College | University Museum |
Oxford A-Z
| A | B | C | E | H | I | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U |
Oxford University
Oxford is famous the world over for its University, first established way back in the 12th century.
However, when they first visit Oxford, many people are surprised to learn that there is no University campus to visit as such.
This is because Oxford University is, in fact, made up of over 35 separate colleges, each with its own distinct history and tradition.
The reason for this is that it was monks who established Oxford's first centres of learning. At first the students in Oxford studied according to monastic tradition, whereby each student was apprenticed to a master.
However, by the 13th century it became the tradition for each bishop to establish his own academic college in the town - and so to this day the University consists of separate University Colleges.
Many of these are open to the public, however in most cases there are some restrictions. If you do plan to visit any of the University Colleges, make a note of the closing time - they tend to be very punctual when locking up at night!
More information about the best known and most interesting of the University Colleges can be found by using the links below.
|
| All Souls College | Balliol College | Brasenose College | Christ Church College |
| Magdalen College | Merton College | New College | Pembroke College |
| Queens College | Trinity College | University College |
|
|
Oxford A-Z
| A | B | C | E | H | I | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U |
University College
University College, situated on the south side of Oxford's High Street, was founded in 1250, and so is often cited as the oldest of Oxford's University colleges.
However, none of the college's original buildings have survived, and so most of the college architecture that you will see today dates from the 17th century.
Nevertheless, University College is still a very pleasant college to visit, both for its grounds and for its lovely chapel.
University College is probably most famous for the fact that it expelled Percy Bysshe Shelley in 1811, for his part in the publishing of a pamphlet called The Necessity of Atheism.
After the poet's untimely death in 1822, the college then had a dramatic about-turn and erected a monument to the famous poet.
Visitors to University College should go to the porter's lodge for permission to enter the grounds.
|
Oxford University
|
|
Oxford A-Z
| A | B | C | E | H | I | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U |
University Museum
Although perhaps not as famous as the Ashmolean Museum, the University Museum, which specialises in the natural sciences, is still well worth a visit.
The interior of the museum is particularly stunning - a wonderful display of Victorian iron and glass architecture.
Highlights of the museum's collection include an excellent fossil collection, and the dodo that inspired Lewis Caroll in Alice in Wonderland.
The University Museum is open from 12 noon to 5pm Mondays to Saturdays. Admission is free, but a donation is requested.
You can also gain entry to the Pitt Rivers Museum through the Universtiy Museum.
|
|
Oxford A-Z
| A | B | C |
E | H | I |
M | N | O |
P | Q | R |
S | T | U |
Oxford Town Guide
Travel Advice | Accommodation in Oxford | Other Town Guides
Copyright © 1995 to 2016 Smooth Hound Systems
Smooth Hound Systems accepts no liability with regards to the accuracy of the information on this site.
Users are advised to double check information such as dates, times, prices etc.
