Magdalen College
Established in 1458 by William of Waynflete, Magdalen College is a constituent college of the University of Oxford.
Stepping into the hallowed halls of Oxford University is to enter a realm where centuries of academic excellence, architectural grandeur, and intellectual curiosity converge. As one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, Oxford beckons visitors with its timeless charm and a palpable sense of history.
Explore the most incredible colleges, museums and halls of Oxford University. Plan your visit to the city and its University, and find ideas for walks and tours.
1096-1248
1200s
1642-1651
1854
2000s – Present
Foundation of Oxford University
The University of Oxford is established during the 12th century. While the exact founding date is unclear, teaching existed by 1096, and the university received its charter in 1248.
Academic Growth
Oxford University experiences significant growth during the 13th century. Founding of notable colleges like University College (1249) and Balliol College (1263) contributes to its development.
Civil War Impact
Oxford becomes a Royalist stronghold during the English Civil War. The city faces conflict and sieges during this tumultuous period.
University Reform
The Oxford University Act of 1854 brings about significant reforms in governance and curriculum, shaping the university’s structure in the 19th century.
Modern Developments
Oxford remains a global academic powerhouse in the 21st century thanks to research breakthroughs, technological advancements, and a commitment to excellence.
Oxford’s unique structure comprises a collection of colleges, each with its own distinct personality and history. From the storied halls of Christ Church to the intimate charm of Magdalen, exploring these collegiate enclaves offers a glimpse into the daily lives of scholars past and present. Many colleges welcome visitors to stroll through their gardens, chapels, and dining halls.
Established in 1458 by William of Waynflete, Magdalen College is a constituent college of the University of Oxford.
Lincoln College (formerly The College of the Blessed Mary and All Saints, Lincoln) was founded by Richard Fleming in 1427.
Wolfson College is an all-graduate college affiliated with the University of Oxford in England, located near the River Cherwell.
Founded by William of Wykeham in 1379, New College is one of the constituent colleges that make up Oxford University in the United Kingdom.
Oxford University’s Brasenose College (BNC) was founded in 1509 and is home to one of the oldest rowing clubs in the world.
Kellogg College is a graduate-only constituent college of the University of Oxford. It was founded in 1990 as Rewley House.
Trinity College is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in England. It was founded in 1555 by Sir Thomas Pope.
Oxford University’s Linacre College is one of the most diverse for both sexes: Its students represent 133 different countries.
The College of St Cross is a constituent college of the University of Oxford in England. Founded in 1965, it is an all-graduate college.
A constituent college of the University of Oxford, St John’s College was founded in 1555 as a men’s college but turned coeducational later.
The Taylor Institution Library (or the Taylorian) is Oxford University’s centre for the study of Modern European languages and literatures.
Radcliffe Camera is a neo-classical style building inside Oxford University, built from 1737 to 1749 for the Radcliffe Science Library.
The Bodleian Social Science Library is Oxford University’s main lending and reference library teaching social sciences.
The Sackler Library, is one of the Bodleian Libraries’ principal research libraries. It focuses mainly on the study of archaeology and art.
The Alexander Library of Ornithology is one of the most important ornithological reference libraries in the world.
The Radcliffe Science Library is Oxford University’s main teaching and research science library and part of the Bodleian Libraries.
The Bodleian Law Library is an academic library containing over 550,000 volumes and is also the library of the Faculty of Law.
Humphrey of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Gloucester, founded the Duke Humfrey’s Library in 1447 after donating 281 books to the library.
The Sainsbury Library is part of the Saïd Business School and Oxford University’s dedicated Business and Management library.
The Bodleian Library is one of Oxford’s most famous landmarks. Among the oldest in Europe, it’s easy to visit and incredible to see.
Wycliffe Hall is named after the Bible translator and reformer John Wycliffe, who taught at Balliol College, Oxford in the 14th century.
St Benet’s Hall is one of Oxford’s Permanent Private Halls. Its principal building is located on the side of St Giles.
One of the six Permanent Private Halls of Oxford University, St Stephen’s House is an Anglican theological college.
There are six Permanent Private Halls at the University of Oxford in England. Campion Hall is run by the Society of Jesus.
Located in central Oxford, just off St Giles’, Regent’s Park College is a permanent private hall of the University of Oxford.
Antiques on High is an antiques and art shop from Oxford founded in 1997 and open seven days a week. It has won several awards.
Aidan Meller Gallery is one of Oxford’s longest-established specialist art galleries. They showcase modern, contemporary and old masters.
Christ Church Picture Gallery is an art museum holding an important collection of about 300 Old Master paintings and almost 2,000 drawings and is one of the most important private
Carfax Tower, in Oxford, is a 23-meter-high bell tower that used to belong to a 12th-century church. Here’s how to visit it (and why!).
University Church of St Mary the Virgin is actually from where Oxford University grew, and an un-missable spot if you’re visiting the city.
24-26 Cornmarket Street, Oxford is a timber-framed building built in the late 14th century. It belonged to a wine merchant and was an inn.
The Old Parsonage Hotel is one of the best-ranked hotels in the city and dates back to the 17th century. Here’s how to visit.
The Randolph Hotel, situated in the heart of Oxford, stands as a distinguished landmark of the city, attracting guests from around the world.
Westgate Oxford has more than 100 stores featuring prestigious luxury brands and beloved high-street choices.
Barefoot offers homemade cakes, pastries and bread, delicious coffee for eat-in or takeaway in the neighbourhood of Jericho, in Oxford.
The Cake Shop offers ready-made designs and bespoke masterpieces and has been trading since 1986 in Oxford’s Covered Market.
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