Central · Founded 1341
The Queen's College
One of the most architecturally unified classical colleges on the High Street, known for its cupola'd front screen, grand hall and library, and colourful traditions such as the Boar's Head Feast.
Official site ↗Founded 1341. Founded in 1341 by Robert de Eglesfield, chaplain to Queen Philippa of Hainault, and named in her honour; queens consort remain its traditional patrons.
Almost wholly rebuilt around 1700 in grand English Baroque and Classical style, with work attributed to the circle of Wren and Hawksmoor; its High Street screen is topped by a cupola sheltering a statue of Queen Caroline.
Don’t miss
- Baroque High Street front screen and cupola
- Front Quad in the Hawksmoor manner
- Grand hall and chapel
- Upper Library
- Boar's Head and Needle-and-Thread ceremonies
Notable names
Edmund Halley · Jeremy Bentham · Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web · Rowan Atkinson
Visiting
As a working college it is generally not freely open to tourists and public access is restricted and variable; verify current arrangements.
Opening hours, admission and current access change often — check the official site before you go.