Journey back to 1264. Merton College emerges as the brainchild of Walter de Merton, a man of influence who served as Chancellor to both Henry III and Edward I. Merton College stands as the first fully self-governing college within the prestigious University of Oxford. This fact alone sets it apart. The very stones of Mob Quadrangle whisper tales of centuries past. Constructed in stages from 1288 to 1378, it’s considered the oldest quadrangle in the university. Step within its embrace and imagine scholars debating within these very walls. Merton College’s library, nestled within Mob Quad, isn’t just any library. It’s the oldest continuously functioning library globally, a haven for academics and students since 1373. The books lining these shelves hold the knowledge of generations. The college chapel is a story in itself. Originally part of the Church of St Mary & St John, its choir dates back to the late 1280s. The tower, reaching towards the heavens, was completed in 1450. Inside, a pre-Reformation lectern, gifted in 1504, still stands. Merton College, a place of vibrant history, has always been more than just stone and mortar. It is a cradle of great minds. From Nobel laureates to the celebrated author of “The Lord of the Rings,” J.R.R. Tolkien, Merton has nurtured countless influential figures. The legacy of Merton College lives on, inspiring future generations within its hallowed halls.
Wolvercot Loop
A whisper of history echoes along the Wolvercot Loop. Imagine yourself standing here centuries ago. The Wolvercot Loop isn’t just