Things To Do

Harris Manchester College

Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TD, GB

Rating: 4.7 ★ (37 ratings)

Details

Mansfield Road is home to Harris Manchester College, an Oxford institution with a distinctive heritage and a modern outlook. Founded originally as the Warrington Academy in 1757 for Unitarian students, and later re-founded in Manchester in 1786, it provided higher education for those dissenting from the Church of England who were barred from Oxford and Cambridge. After several relocations, including to York and London, the college settled in Oxford in 1893, eventually becoming a full constituent college of the University in 1996. Today, it's uniquely dedicated to mature students, welcoming undergraduates and postgraduates aged 21 and over, creating a diverse and vibrant international community. This focus means every student arrives with a unique story, enriching the academic and social life of this friendly and supportive college.

The main quad, designed by architect Thomas Worthington, was constructed between 1889 and 1893 and showcases late Gothic designs. A particularly notable feature is the college chapel, which contains stunning stained-glass windows designed by Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris, making it the only room in Oxford entirely lit by their glass. The Arlosh Hall, added in 1913, is another significant architectural element. Despite being one of Oxford's smallest colleges in terms of undergraduate numbers, Harris Manchester boasts the sixth largest college library, holding an impressive collection of books and manuscripts, some dating back to the fifteenth century. Visitors can typically access the chapel during specified hours, and while entry is free, donations are welcomed.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday: 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM; Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM; Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM; Thursday: 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM; Friday: 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM; Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM; Sunday: 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Contact

+44 1865 271006

Comments

Семен Нанавов
15 Mar 2026
5.0 ★
A friend of mine named Harris works here. But I have never seen Manchester, neither inside nor outside. I think it's a strange name for a college. But it is beautiful, so it deserves its 5 points.
Ian White
3 Mar 2026
4.0 ★
One of the less well known of the Oxford Colleges and due to its location, rather off the tourist trail, but that doesn't mean it isn't worth visiting!

It has an interesting mix of old, traditional style Oxford Architecture with the newer style. Located on Mansfield Road, just off Holywell Street means it is in the quieter part of the city which makes for a very pleasant walk.
Ngo Hai Anh
21 Feb 2026
5.0 ★
The chapel designed by "Worthington and Elgood" was inaugurated in 1893. The chapel is notable for its stained-glass windows by the Pre-Raphaelite artists Sir Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris, as well as its ornate wood carvings and organ, which was painted by Morris and Co. Seating in the chapel consisted of individual chairs until pews were added in 1897. The oak screen was added in 1896 and the original windows were made of plain glass until the installation of stained glass windows in 1895 and 1899. Particularly noteworthy are the stained glass windows on the north wall of the chapel, which were installed in 1896 and depict the Six Days of Creation. These were donated by James and Isabella Arlosh in memory of their son Godfrey. The Unitarian-affiliated Manchester College Oxford Chapel Society meets in the college chapel on Sundays. The society is affiliated to the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches. Despite being one of the smallest colleges of Oxford University, Harris Manchester boasts the sixth largest college library and offers the best student population to book ratio. It houses a collection of books and manuscripts dating back to the fifteenth century. The Tate Library was built by Sir Henry Tate, the benefactor behind London’s Tate Gallery. The library was expanded in 2011 with the addition of a gallery, designed to blend in with the Victorian Gothic architecture. The library is well stocked in all the major subjects offered by the college including English Literature, Philosophy, Theology, Politics, Economics, Law, History and Medicine.
Mrs K Elson
23 Jan 2026
5.0 ★
Definitely worth a visit! The chapel especially. It was decorated by the great William Morris, the only chapel he decorated and his last work, passing before the completion of the work.
Very peaceful!
Aneta Dziok
16 Jan 2026
5.0 ★
We just had our wedding here.
Absolutely wonderful people and chapel.

Special thanks to Gavin and Nick for making our day so special.

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