Oriel College

Oriel College. A name whispered with reverence in the hallowed halls of Oxford. A place where the echoes of history intertwine with the vibrant pulse of student life. Oriel College stands proudly in Oriel Square, a testament to centuries of scholarship, political intrigue, and architectural grandeur. It holds the unique distinction of being the oldest royal foundation in Oxford, a title once contested but now firmly held. Oriel College even boasts a royal visitor, none other than King Charles III himself. Founded in 1324 by Adam de Brome under the patronage of King Edward II, Oriel College initially housed a provost and ten fellows, known as “scholars.” It wasn’t until the 16th century that the college opened its doors to undergraduates. During the tumultuous years of the English Civil War, Oriel College played a pivotal role, hosting high-ranking members of the King’s Oxford Parliament. Imagine the clandestine meetings, the hushed whispers of strategy within these very walls. Today, Oriel College boasts a diverse student body of almost 300 undergraduates and 250 graduates. Interestingly, after more than six centuries as an all-male institution, Oriel College finally admitted women in 1985. The college’s architectural tapestry weaves together different eras. The main site includes four medieval halls: Bedel Hall, St Mary Hall, St Martin Hall, and Tackley’s Inn, the oldest surviving medieval hall in Oxford. First Quad, the heart of the college, showcases a stunning blend of 17th-century artisan mannerist style. The hall within boasts a hammerbeam roof, a portrait of Edward II, and a longsword, a relic of a bygone era. The college chapel, consecrated in 1642, retains its original charm despite several restorations. It houses a remarkable painting, “The Carrying of the Cross,” by Bernard van Orley. Second Quad, once a tranquil garden, now houses the library and senior common rooms, a Neoclassical masterpiece designed by James Wyatt. The Rhodes Building, a Jacobean revival style structure built in 1911, stands as a testament to the legacy of Cecil Rhodes, an Oriel alumnus. A statue of Rhodes on the building’s exterior has become a focal point of recent debates. Oriel College is more than just stones and mortar. It’s a vibrant hub of student life. From its active boat club, renowned for its rowing prowess, to the Oriel Lions drama society, the college fosters a rich tapestry of extracurricular activities. The Poor Print, the student-run publication, showcases the creativity and intellectual curiosity of Oriel’s students. As you stand here, before Oriel College, let your imagination soar. Picture the generations of scholars who have walked these halls, the debates that have shaped history, the traditions that continue to bind this community. Oriel College is not just a part of Oxford’s history; it is a living, breathing entity, constantly evolving, yet always anchored to its rich past.