Central · Founded 1264
Merton College
A place to see Oxford's medieval origins first-hand, with an ancient library, a fine chapel, and the tranquil cobbled Merton Street and college gardens overlooking Christ Church Meadow.
Official site ↗Founded 1264. Founded in 1264 by Walter de Merton, Bishop of Rochester and Lord Chancellor, whose statutes became a model for collegiate life at Oxford and Cambridge.
One of Oxford's oldest colleges, home to Mob Quad (largely 14th-century, often called Oxford's oldest quadrangle) and the medieval Old Library, among the oldest working libraries in the world. Its 13th–15th-century chapel set the template for later college chapels.
Don’t miss
- Mob Quad
- medieval Old Library
- chapel
- hall
- Fellows' Garden
- views over Christ Church Meadow
- cobbled Merton Street
Notable names
J.R.R. Tolkien (professor) · T.S. Eliot · Roger Bannister · Andrew Wiles · Emperor Naruhito of Japan
Visiting
Regularly admits visitors, often with an admission charge for parts of the college, but hours vary with term and events; confirm current details before visiting.
Opening hours, admission and current access change often — check the official site before you go.