Central · Founded 1326
Oriel College
A compact, atmospheric medieval-into-Jacobean college tucked into its own square, and a focal point both of the 19th-century Oxford Movement and the modern 'Rhodes Must Fall' debate.
The college
A closer
look.
Oriel Square, central Oxford, between the High Street and Merton Street
Founded 1326. Founded in 1326 by Adam de Brome, almoner to King Edward II, who took it under royal patronage, making Oriel the oldest royal foundation in Oxford.
Its Front Quad is a fine example of early-17th-century Jacobean Gothic, crowned by the 'Regnante Carolo' porch and a statue of the Virgin Mary; the Edwardian Rhodes Building (1911) fronts the High Street.
On a visit
Don’t miss.
- 01Jacobean Front Quad and 'Regnante Carolo' porch
- 0217th-century hall and chapel
- 03Rhodes Building and the contested statue of Cecil Rhodes on the High Street
- 04Senior Library and historic collections
Connected to
Notable
names.
- John Henry Newman and the Oxford (Tractarian) Movement, centred on Oriel's fellowship
- Cecil Rhodes
- Sir Walter Raleigh
- Matthew Arnold and Thomas Arnold
- A.J.P. Taylor
Before you go
Visiting Oriel College
Open to Public (Ticketed, Limited Areas). Published visitor access: Monday–Sunday 14:00–17:00 or dusk, whichever is earlier. Admission: Adults £3; concessions £2. 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
- 1326
- Area
- Oriel Square, central Oxford, between the High Street and Merton Street
- Type
- College
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