Wadham College
Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PN, GB
Rating: 4.6 ★ (111 ratings)
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Founded in 1610 by Dorothy Wadham, a formidable 75-year-old widow who oversaw its creation from her home in Devon, Wadham College’s main building is a stunning example of Jacobean Gothic architecture. Designed by William Arnold, the architect also responsible for Montacute House, its front quadrangle was constructed in a single phase between 1610 and 1613 and is considered a fine example of the work of a traditional Master Mason. The College Hall is one of the largest in Oxford, distinguished by its impressive hammer-beam roof and Jacobean woodwork. Portraits of founders Nicholas and Dorothy Wadham, alongside distinguished members like Sir Christopher Wren, adorn its walls. The Chapel, part of the original college building, retains its Jacobean pulpit and features a magnificent east window by Bernard van Linge, dating from 1622, depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ.
Beyond the historic Front Quad, visitors can discover Wadham's extensive and beautiful gardens, which are relatively large compared to other Oxford colleges. Originally orchards and market gardens, their appearance has evolved over four centuries, with notable periods of formal landscaping and later, a focus on a distinguished collection of trees. The gardens house a 200-year-old Black Hamburg grape vine, which still provides fruit for college dinners, and a collection of rare 'fossil trees' in the Fellows' Private Garden, including Monkey Puzzles and a Dawn Redwood. An 18th-century 'cowshed' built into remnants of Civil War earthworks is another curious feature. Modern architectural additions, such as the William Doo Undergraduate Centre and the Dr Lee Shau Kee Building, seamlessly blend with the historic surroundings. Wadham also hosts the Holywell Music Room, reputed to be Europe's oldest purpose-built concert hall.
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+44 1865 277900
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