Canterbury House

Canterbury House whispers tales of two lives. It stands here on Cowley Road, a modern structure serving Oxford Brookes University students. Yet, its name echoes a much older story, one rooted in medieval Oxford. Canterbury House takes its name from Canterbury College, a long-vanished institution. This medieval college, established in 1361 by Archbishop Simon Islip, housed monks and secular clerks. Canterbury College stood near Oriel College, in the parish of St. Edward. It was intended for twelve students, four monks and eight secular clerks, under the watchful eye of a monk warden. The college thrived for a time, receiving endowments and expanding its holdings. It even housed students from other Benedictine monasteries like Rochester and Coventry. However, its life was not without conflict. Archbishop Islip replaced the monks with secular clerks, including the controversial John Wycliffe, only to have the monks reinstated by the next archbishop. Ultimately, Canterbury College was surrendered in 1540, shortly after the dissolution of the monasteries. Its buildings were absorbed into Christ Church. Today’s Canterbury House carries on the name, though separated by centuries and purpose from its predecessor. It provides modern amenities for students, including en-suite rooms, shared kitchens, and Wi-Fi. It stands as a testament to the evolving nature of Oxford, a place where the echoes of the past intertwine with the rhythms of modern life. Canterbury House, from medieval college to modern student housing, reflects the enduring spirit of learning in this historic city.