Trinity College

How many secrets do you think lie within these grand walls? Trinity College in Oxford has seen centuries of stories unfold. Founded in 1555 by Sir Thomas Pope, Trinity College wasn’t always the institution we see today. It stands on land once occupied by Durham College, a home for Benedictine monks from Durham Cathedral. Pope, a Catholic with no surviving children, established Trinity with the hope that the prayers of its students would keep his memory alive. And indeed, he rests beside the chapel altar within the college. Trinity College started as a place for men only. It welcomed its first female undergraduates in 1979. Now, it’s a fully co-educational institution, a testament to the changing times. Trinity College is a relatively small college. Despite its impressive size, it houses around 400 students. The college is home to several iconic quadrangles. The Durham Quadrangle, the oldest, whispers tales of the monks who once resided here. The Chapel, consecrated in 1694, is a marvel of Baroque architecture, possibly designed by Henry Aldrich with input from the renowned Christopher Wren. Look up and you might notice four statues atop the west tower, representing Astronomy, Geometry, Medicine, and Theology. The Garden Quadrangle, designed in the late 17th century, provides a tranquil escape. The Front Quadrangle, added in the 19th century, gives the college its grand facade on Broad Street. Lastly, the Library Quadrangle houses the impressive library, a memorial to those lost in World War I. Interestingly, beneath this quad lies the vast Norrington Room of Blackwell’s bookshop. Trinity College even has its own rivalry with its neighbor, Balliol College. A feud dating back centuries, it has involved everything from songs sung over walls to more elaborate pranks. Trinity College has a rich history. It has educated three British Prime Ministers and numerous other influential figures. Trinity College continues to thrive. It offers accommodation to all its undergraduates, with first and second years living on the main site. The college boasts a non-auditioning chapel choir, one of the few in Oxford, and numerous other societies and clubs. Trinity College offers not just an education, but a vibrant and engaging student life.