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Central · Founded 1509

Brasenose College

An intimate, historic college right on Radcliffe Square, with the storied brass 'nose' and strong literary and sporting traditions.

Official site
Founded1509
WhereCentral
AccessOpen to Public (Limited Hours)
TypeCollege

The college

A closer
look.

Central — Radcliffe Square

Founded 1509. Founded in 1509 by William Smyth, Bishop of Lincoln, and Sir Richard Sutton; its name derives from a bronze door-knocker (the 'brazen nose').

Tudor and later, centred on the early-16th-century Old Quad with a 17th-century chapel and Hall; the original brazen nose knocker hangs in the Hall.

Nearby on foot · CentralFind Brasenose College and the closest colleges.

Explore around Brasenose College

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51.7536°N, 1.2546°WGet directions

On a visit

Don’t miss.

  1. 01Old Quad
  2. 02Chapel
  3. 03Hall with the brazen nose knocker
  4. 04Sundial
  5. 05Radcliffe Square frontage

Connected to

Notable
names.

  • William Golding
  • Michael Palin
  • Robert Runcie (Archbishop of Canterbury)
  • David Cameron
  • John Buchan

Before you go

Visiting Brasenose College

Open to Public (Limited Hours). Published visitor access: Monday–Friday 10:00–11:30 and 14:00–16:30; Saturday–Sunday 13:00–16:30. Admission: Free; donations welcome. College events, services and exams can still close areas at short notice.

Opening hours, admission and access change often — check the official site before you travel.

Founded
1509
Area
Central — Radcliffe Square
Type
College

Before you visit

Check hours, tickets and access.

Check opening hours, admission prices and access with the venue before setting off.

Updated