University College was founded in 1249 by William of Durham and was the earliest college of its kind in the country. There were claims that the college was possibly founded even earlier by King Alfred.
The front of this college extends over two hundred and sixty feet along the south side of the High-street. The original medieval buildings have been replaced over the years. The building on the right, Front Quad, was started in 1634 but was not completed for over forty years because of the Civil War. Radcliffe Quad on the left was built around 1715 with money left in the will of Dr. John Radcliffe who instructed that the new design ‘be answerable to the old.’ The architecture of both Quads is therefore identical, with small ogee gables and two matching gate towers with a traditionally constructed gothic fan vault. Above the gate into Front Quad is a statue of Queen Anne, the statue over the gate into Radcliffe Quad is of Queen Mary, wife of King William III. |
