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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 ↗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.
Don’t miss
- Old Quad
- chapel
- hall with the brazen nose knocker
- sundial
- Radcliffe Square frontage
Notable names
William Golding · Michael Palin · Robert Runcie (Archbishop of Canterbury) · David Cameron · John Buchan
Visiting
Open to visitors at limited times only; access may be closed during term events.
Opening hours, admission and current access change often — check the official site before you go.