Christ Church is college of the University of Oxford. It was founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII and is one of the larger colleges.
What's the History of Oxford's Christ Church College?
The College was re-founded in 1532 by King Henry VIII as “King Henry VIII’s College” and renamed as “Christ Church” in 1546. The original College, however, dates back to 1525 when Thomas Wolsey, then Lord Chancellor of England and Cardinal Archbishop of York, suppressed the Priory of St Frideswide (a priory of Augustinian canons regular created in 1122) and founded Cardinal College on its lands. By 1546, and after the King had acquired great wealth through the dissolution of monasteries across England, converted the partially demolished priory church into a cathedral. Since then, the College has seen major additions through the centuries.
Wolsey's Great Quadrangle and the 101 Bells
To this day, the famous gate-tower designed by Sir Christopher Wren that stands in the Great Quadrangle rings its bell 101 times at 9 pm in the former Oxford time (9:05 pm GMT/BST) every night. This commemorates the 100 original scholars of the college (plus one added in 1664).
The bells used to ring at midnight, when the school gates were supposed to close. However, the bells took 20 minutes! So the ringing was moved back. Curiously, the gates still close at 20 past midnight today.
The Great Quadrangle or “Tom Quad” is the heart of Christ Church. Its scale and grandeur are a fitting tribute to its creator, Thomas Wolsey, and his vision of Gothic splendour.
Christ Church Graded Buildings and Grounds
Christ Church sits in a land of about 175 acres (71 hectares). This includes the Christ Church Meadow, which is open to the public, Aston’s Eyot (an island on the east bank of the River Thames), Christ Church recreation ground, and and School Field.
Christ Church has a number of Grade I and II, or architecturally significant buildings. These include the Christ Church Library, the Cathedral, the Peckwater Quadrangle, the Great Quadrangle or Tom Quad, the Canterbury Quadrangle, and the Chapter House, as well as the Blue Boar Quadrangle and Christ Church Picture Gallery.
Christ Church's Distinctive Architecture
The college buildings and grounds have been featured in numerous films, such as Harry Potter and Northern Lights. Several other institutions have also copied its features, including the University of Chicago, Cornell University, and Kneuterdijk Palace – all of which have reproductions of Christ Church’s dining hall.
Famous Alumni of Christ Church
Lewis Carroll (Charles Dodgson)
Lewis Carroll was an English author, mathematician, and poet, well-known for his notable work “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”. He attended Westminster School and then the University of Oxford’s Christ Church, his father’s old college. He went into residence in January 1851.
Where is Christ Church College?
Christ Church College is located in St Aldate’s (OX1 1DP).
Can you Visit Christ Church College?
Yes, Christ Church College is open to the public.
- Open: Mon-Sun. Please book a timed ticket online via the Christ Church website.
- Charge: Self-guided ‘multimedia guide’ tours: £16 adults, £15 concessions.
- Groups: For 12 people or more please email tourism@chch.ox.ac.uk.
Old Photos of Oxford's Christ Church
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Christ Church Meadow
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