Corpus Christi College
Merton Street, Oxford, OX1 4JF, GB
Rating: 4.6 ★ (57 ratings)
Details
Founded in 1517 by Richard Fox, Bishop of Winchester, Corpus Christi College stands as one of Oxford's oldest and most intimate colleges. Its main quadrangle, one of the earliest in Oxford, features the iconic Pelican Sundial, an ornate, gilded statue atop a stone column, erected in 1581. The college played a notable role in the translation of the King James Bible, with its scholars contributing significantly to this monumental work. From its early days, Corpus Christi was envisioned as a centre for Renaissance learning, fostering the study of humanities and sciences. The early college buildings, completed around 1517, included a hall, chapel, and a library that the scholar Erasmus praised.
Tucked away on Merton Street, the college offers a serene atmosphere with views over Christ Church Meadow. While historically a men's college, it welcomed its first female undergraduates in 1979. The college architecture is a captivating blend of its 16th-century origins and later additions, such as the 18th-century Fellows' Building and the modern MBI Al Jaber Building with its auditorium and roof terrace. Although one of the smaller colleges in terms of student numbers, with around 250 undergraduates and 90 graduates, it maintains a strong academic reputation. Visitors can typically explore the college in the afternoon, though it's advisable to check opening times as events can occasionally lead to closures.
Location
Contact
+44 1865 276700
Comments
A very nice courtyard, a chapel, and a very nice garden that is reached by going through one of the building sides (again, be mindful that students work and live here, and the gardens might be closed to the public).
Located next-door to Christ Church college which thankfully, lures the rapacious, marauding tourists away from CC!
Still the finest education in the world and unequivocally, always will be!