Central · Founded 1249
University College
A quintessential High Street college whose big draw is the striking Shelley Memorial, alongside a run of famous names from science, literature and politics.
The college
A closer
look.
High Street, central Oxford
Founded 1249. Traces its foundation to a 1249 bequest by William of Durham and is one of the colleges claiming to be Oxford's oldest, wrapped in a later legend of a founding by King Alfred.
A largely 17th-century frontage of two Gothic quadrangles along the High Street, with the domed Shelley Memorial chamber housing a white marble monument to the drowned poet.
On the same walk
Closest to
this one.
On a visit
Don’t miss.
- 01Shelley Memorial marble monument in its domed chamber
- 02Twin Gothic quadrangles on the High Street
- 0317th-century chapel with painted glass
- 04Long claim to being Oxford's oldest college
Connected to
Notable
names.
- Percy Bysshe Shelley (poet, expelled)
- Stephen Hawking (physicist)
- Bill Clinton (US President, Rhodes Scholar)
- Clement Attlee and Harold Wilson (Prime Ministers)
Before you go
Visiting University College
Open to Public (Ticketed). Published visitor access: Daily 10:00–12:00 and 14:00–16:00; closed for events. Admission: Adults £5; concessions £3; free to current Bodleian Card holders, Univ alumni, prospective students and children under 8. 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
- 1249
- Area
- High Street, central Oxford
- Type
- College
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