Oxford 1863 directory index
Directory of Pubs in the UK, historical public houses, Taverns, Inns, Beer Houses and Hotels in Oxfordshire. The Oxfordshire listing uses information from census, Trade Directories and History to add licensees, bar staff, Lodgers and Visitors.
The following entries are in this format:
Year/Publican or other Resident/Relationship to Head and or Occupation/Age/Where Born/Source.
Oxford Colleges.
We now proceed to give a description of each College according to the order
of its foundation.
University College, said to have been founded on the site of an ancient
school, erected by Alfred the Great, was restored by William of Durham,
Archbishop of Rouen, who died in 1249. The foundation consists of master, 13
fellows, 16 scholars, some exhibitioners, and one clerk. It is situate on
the south side of the High Street, and has a frontage, built in the
Elizabethan style, extending 260 feet. The College is divided into two
courts, with a quadrangle 100 feet square, on the south side of which are
the chapel and hall. Over the principal entrance is a statue of Queen Anne;
upon the inner side is a statue of James II., of which monarch only two
statues are supposed to exist in England. Over the eastern gateway is a
statue of Queen Mary, daughter of James II. A statue of Dr. John Radcliffe
is placed on the side within the court. A bust of King Alfred, by Wilton,
adorns the hall or common room, and in the ante-chapel is a cenotaph, by
Flaxman, commemorative of Sir William Jones, formerly a fellow of the
college, who died at Bengal in 1794. The windows of the chapel are very
beautiful; executed in 1641, by Van Linge. The library possesses some
valuable works and manuscripts, the gift of Walter Skirlaw, Bishop of
Durham, in 1669.
Balliol College, situate at the north-west end of Broad Street, was founded
about 1260, by John Balliol, of Barnard Castle, Durham, father of John
Balliol, King of Scotland. Dr. John Wycliffe, the great reformer, was once
master of this college. His portrait, with that of Shute Barrington, Bishop
of Durham, and others, decorate the hall. The chapel, on the north side the
quadrangle, was re-erected in 1860 from the designs of Mr. Butterfield, and
is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The library, adjoining the chapel,
contains a choice collection of illuminated and other manuscripts, a number
of English Bibles of a very early date, and numerous works on general
literature.
Merton College was founded at Maldon, in Surrey, in 1264, by Walter de
Merton, Bishop of Rochester, and Lord Chancellor of England, and removed
here in 1274. The principal front was restored in 1846. The chief ornament
of the front elevation is the great north window of the chapel, which abuts
on the street, and is a beautiful specimen of florid Gothic architecture. In
canopied niches on the principal gate, erected by Thomas Rodborne, Bishop of
St. David's, and warden of the college, in 1416, are statues of Henry III.,
and the founder of the college, also a tablet on which is sculptured the
history of John the Baptist. The buildings are arranged into three courts or
quadrangles. The first court is small; the inner or principal quadrangle is
110 feet by 100; the third, known as the garden quadrangle, is bordered by a
terrace, formed on the city wall, and presents a particularly pleasant
prospect over the meadows. The library was built by Bishop Rede, in 1376; it
is one of the earliest, and perhaps, now the most genuine ancient library in
the kingdom: retaining the original arrangements of its book-cases and
narrow seats, and in all respects interesting to every lover of literature
and antiquity. The hall was built in the early part of the 15th century, and
contains portraits of the founder and others. The college chapel serves also
for the church of the parish of St. John.
Exeter College, on the eastern side of Turl Street, was founded in 1314, by
Walter Stapledon, Bishop of Exeter, and Lord High Treasurer of England, and
has the largest number of resident members of any college in Oxford, being
second only to Christ Church. The structure has a frontage of 220 feet, and
a spacious quadrangle, on the sides of which are ranged the chapel, hall,
and chambers of the fellows and scholars. The hall, built in 1620, by Sir
John Acland, contains numerous portraits. The library has been recently
rebuilt, by G. Gilbert Scott, B.A., but the glory of the College, and
perhaps of the whole University, is the magnificent chapel lately erected by
the same architect, at an expense of £16,000. The college grounds, on the
east, are tastefully laid out; the garden terrace commands an interesting
view of some of the chief buildings of the University.
Oriel College, situate in Oriel Street, was founded in 1326 by Edward II.
The street frontage has a square tower with entrance gateway, over which is
an oriel window. The first quadrangle was completed about the year 1640, and
contains on the south and west sides the chambers of the fellows and
scholars, on the north and east sides are respectively the provost's
lodgings, hall, and entrance to the chapel. The east windows of the latter,
completed in 1642, contains the representation of Christ in the temple, by
Peckitt, of York. The hall is approached by a flight of steps from the
entrance. This apartment, 50 feet long and 20 wide, contains several fine
portraits, one of the founder on his throne, by Hudson; Queen Anne, by Dahl;
Bishop Butler, and others. Two very curious cups were presented to this
college by King Edward II. and John Carpenter, Bishop of Worcester, in 1476.
Over the ball porch are statues, in canopied niches, of Kings Edward II. and
III. The library, built by Wyatt in 1788, and forming one side of the second
quadrangle, is in the Ionic order of architecture.
Queen's College, on the south side of High Street, was founded in 1340, by
Kobert de Eglesfield, chaplain and confessor to Queen Phillipa, consort of
Edward III. The buildings are arranged into two courts and constitute an
oblong of 300 feet by 220. Over a richly embellished gate of entrance, in
the centre of the grand or street front, is borne aloft by pillars, a
cupola, wLich over-canopies a statue of Caroline, Queen of George II., who
contributed in 1733, £1,000 towards the erection of the southern quadrangle.
This court is 140 feet by 130, and was executed by Hawkesmoor, from a design
by Sir Christopher Wren, it affords one the finest examples of modern
collegiate architecture, and bears, in a general view, a considerable
resemblance to the palace of the Luxembourg, in Paris. The chapel and hall
are on the northern side. The interior of the chapel, is of the Corinthian
order; and is richly ornamented; the ceiling, painted by Sir James Thornhill,
represents the ascension; and the windows are nearly all filled with painted
glass. The altar-piece is a splended copy, by Mengs, of Corregio's
celebrated picture [La Notte, or The Night. The hall, 60 feet by 30, is
decorated with portraits of the founder, Queen Phillipa, his consort, and
many other royal personages. The Library, which lies on the west side of the
north courts, is 123 feet in length, and 55 in height. The ceiling displays
some fine specimens of stucco work, and the works are of a very rare and
choice description. Dr. Robert Mason, once a member of this college, gave
the munificent sum of £30,000 to be expended in books and antiquities, in
consequence of which a second library has been formed. The floor is of
polished oak. This college still retains some very ancient customs: on
Christmas day a boar's head is served, ushered into the hall with due
solemnity, during which time an old monkish carol is sung. The members of
the college are called to dinner every day by the sound of a trumpet. In the
buttery is an ancient drinking horn, supposed to have been presented to this
college by Queen Phillipa. It holds two quarts, and on each hoop are three
inscriptions of the word "Wasseyl."
New College was founded in 1386 for a warden, 70 fellows and scholars, 10
chaplains, an organist, three clerks, a sacristan, and 16 choirsters, by
William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester. The buildings are situate in New
College Lane, eastward of All Souls' College, and consist of a spacious and
chief quadrangle, a small cloistral quadrangle, and a series of buildings
called garden court, after the style of the palace of Versailles. On the
left of the great quadrangle are the chapel and hall, immediately in front
is the library, and on the right are apartments for the warden and fellows.
The chapel is well worthy the attention of the stranger. The choir, 100 feet
by 35, is approached by an ante-chapel 80 feet long and 35 broad, supported
down the centre by two rows of handsome pillars. The west window especially
merits description. The upper part displays a fine representation of the
Nativity, while the lower portion is divided into seven parts, each
containing a figure, the whole shewing the four Cardinal and three Christian
virtues; the painting is by Jervas, from designs by Sir Joshua Reynolds. At
the east end of the choir are a series of 50 canopied niches, each adorned
with pinnacles, and over the altar table, composed of dove-coloured marble,
are five small compartments, of fine marble sculpture in alto-relievo, by
Westmacott, representing the Salutation, the Nativity, the Descent from the
cross, the Ressurection and the Ascension. In a recess near the altar is
deposited the crozier of the founder; it is near seven feet in
height,-composed of silver and gilt and enamelled. Adjacent to the chapel
are the cloisters, surrounding an area of 175 feet by 85, a collegiate
appendage, introduced by Wykcham, and consecrated as a burial place for the
college in 1400. The gardens are tastefully laid out, and contain a choice
collection of flowers and shrubs, part of the old city wall forms the
south-eastern boundary." From these gardens may be obtained fine
architectural views of the buildings in the vicinity. At the end of the
spacious lawn or bowling green is an Ionic temple.
Lincoln College was founded for a rector and seven fellows, in 1427, by
Richard Flemmyng, Bishop of Lincoln. The buildings are situate in Turl
Street, and consist chiefly of two quadrangles, The northern or outer
quadrangle, 66 feet square, contains the library, rector's lodgings, hall,
and tho common room. In the south or inner court, 70 feet square, is the
chapel, erected in 1631, through the munificence of Dr. Williams, Bishop of
Lincoln. The ceiling is an elaborate specimen of work in cedar, richly
ornamented with the arms of the founder and chief benefactors, intermixed
with other devices. The windows are composed of painted glass, remarkable
for the superior brilliancy of the colours, those on the right represent the
twelve apostles and those on the left twelve of the prophets. The hall, 42
feet by 25, contains many good portraits; it was repaired at the expense of
Lord Crewe and others in 1701. The library, over the common room, is well
stocked with books, and choice manuscripts; it also contains portraits of
Sir Nathaniel Lloyd and Lord Crewe.
All Souls' College, situate in High Street, westward of Queen's College, was
founded in 1437, by Henry Chichele, Archbishop of Canterbury; the society
consists of a warden, 40 scholars, 2 chaplains, and 4 clerks. In the Charter
it is called "The College of the Souls of all faithful people deceased of
Oxford." The building consists of three quadrangles, one of which was
erected by the founder ; the other are comparatively modern. Its front is
194 feet long; over the principal entrance are two niches containing
sculptured statues of Henry VI and the founder. The chapel and hall are on
the south side of the new quadrangle, the cloister on the west, and the
common room on the east; the north is occupied by a magnificent range of
buildings used as a library and corresponding in architectural pretension to
the sumptuous Radcliffe library which it confronts. Tho chapel displays a
sedate, yet richly ornamented interior, arranged jointly by Sir Christopher
Wren, Sir James Thornhill, and Dr. Clarke; and besides an opulence of
pictorial embellishment over ceiling, walls, and pier, it possesses the
celebrated " Noli me tangere " by Mengs. A marble statue of Sir William
Blackstone, by Bacon, is deposited beneath the western window. The hall is a
room of great elegance and has some fine statues, busts, and portraits of
eminent men, including those of the founder and King Henry VI, and also a
large picture of the " Finding of the Law," by Sir James Thornhill. The
library, 198 feet long by 321 wide, shews two ranges of book-cases,
supported by Doric and Ionic pilasters, containing near 70,000 volumes; over
the cases are a number of busts in bronze of some of the most eminent
fellows of the college, and in the centre of the library is a conspicuous
statue of Colonel Christopher Codrington, who bequeathed £10,000 for its
construction, and also a collection of books, estimated in value at £6,000,
The kitchen and buttery are adjoining the hall; in the latter is a very
curious salt-cellar of silver gilt and ancient make, supported by an armed
figure, and presented to tho college by a descendant of the founder.
Annually, on the 2nd November, a custom is observed of keeping the mallard
night, arising from the discovery of a large mallard or drake in a drain,
when digging for the foundation of the college; a merry old song "The
swopping, swopping mallard," is sung on this night.
Magdalene College, situate at the eastern entrance to the city on the border
of the Cherwell, was founded in 1456, by William of Waynflete, successively
head master of Winchester and Eton Colleges, provost of Eton, Bishop of
Winchester, and at the same time Lord High Chancellor of England. At the
time of its foundation the society consisted of a president, forty fellows,
thirty scholars called demies, a divinity lecturer, four chaplains, eight
clerks, and sixteen choristers for the service of the chapel. The buildings,
as designed by their founder, comprise two courts. On the side which faces
the High Street rises a magnificent and beautiful tower terminated in an
open parapet and surmounted by eight crocketed pinnacles. It was completed
in 1498, and is considered little inferior to any in the kingdom for its
elegance of proportion and admirable simplicity. This is the first object
thai meets the eye on the entrance to Oxford from the London road, and
cannot fail to impress the stranger with an idea of the richness of Oxonian
architecture. The extreme length of the college from north to south is 570
feet, and from east to west 330 feet. The entrance is by a Gothic portal,
erected by Pugin, in 1844, leading to the first court, which is small and
unimportant. In this court and near the president's lodgings is the ancient
gate-house beneath a noble Gothic tower; over the gate are beautifully
sculptured statues, in canopied niches, of Waynflete, St. Mary Magdalen,
King Henry III. and St. John the Baptist. This old entrance conducts to the
great quadrangle, along the sides of which run two fine cloisters roofed
with ribbed oak. This court contains the chapel, hall, and library, and a
considerable portion of the more private buildings. The chapel, in form,
resembles the Roman letter T; the interior was restored at great expense in
1834, and its carving in stone and oak are among the finest extant. The
altar-piece is a superb painting of "Christ bearing the Cross' executed by
Moralez, a Spanish artist; above this is a sculptured representation of
Christ appearing to Mary in the garden. An alabaster altar-tomb ia memory of
Richard Patten, father of the founder, has been recently brought to this
chapel from the church at Waynflete in Lincolnshire. Cathedral service is
performed, here twice daily. The ante-chapel is a large transverse building
and has some very fine monuments. The hall is an elegant and spacious room,
curiously carved in wainscotting, and roofed in modern Gothic; it is
enriched with many portraits, amongst them those of the founder, Henry,
Prince of Wales, Archbishop Boulter, and Addison the poet; here is also a
fine picture of St. Mary Magdalen, by Guercino. The library is a fine room
recently restored and embellished; it contains a valuable collection of
books, also two fine busts of Locke and Bacon, in white marble. A range of
buildings, intended to form the side of a quadrangle, was erected about the
year 1734, from a design by Edward Holdsworth, M.A.; it is 300 feet long and
has a plain yet handsome exterior. Attached to the college are extensive and
tastefully disposed pleasure grounds, which are conjectured to have afforded
Sir Thomas More some hints of his Utopia. The water walk, on the bank of the
Cherwell, is formed by a grove of fine grown elm trees; the poet Addison
passed much of his time in this sequestered spot; part of it is known as
Addison's walk.
Brasenose College was founded in 1509, for a principal and 12 fellows,
natives of the old diocese of Lichfield and Coventry, by William Smyth,
Bishop of Lincoln, and Sir Richard Button of Prestbury, Cheshire. Eight
fellowships, each with restrictions, have since been added by eight
different founders. The grand front occupies the western side of Radcliffe
square and possesses a massive and imposing appearance. Tbe buildings are
arranged in two courts or quadrangles, the largest remains nearly as it was
constructed by the founder, the smaller one, situated to the south, was
erected in the 17th century. The gate house forming the principal entrance
deserves attention, for the exceeding purity of style and elegance of the
enrichments. Over the outer door of the hall which opens from the great
court are two small and ancient, but beautiful, busts of King Alfred and
Joannes Scotus. The bay window of the hall is spacious and lofty, filled
with painted glass; there are also a many portraits, among which, are those
of the founders, King Alfred, Lord Chancellor Ellesmere, and Dr. Burton,
author of" The Anatomy of Melancholy," the only book that Dr. Johnson once
stated he was ever induced to rise early to read. The smaller court is
chiefly occupied with the chapel and library. The chapel has been lately
repaired; the east window represents Christ and the four Evangelists,
executed by Pearson in 1776 from a painting by Mortimer, and presented to
this college by Principal Cawlcy. The ante-chapel possesses monuments of
Bishop Cleaver, Dr. Shippen, Dr. Hodson, and of the Rev. H. Cholmondeley,
Dean of Chester; the latter by Sir Francis Chantrey. The library, rebuilt in
1780, has an adorned interior, and was arranged by Wyatt; it contains a very
fine bust, by Nollekens, of the Right Hon. Lord Grenville, Chancellor of the
University from 1809 to 1833.
Corpus Christi College was founded in 1516 by Richard Fox, Bishop of
Winchester, and Lord Privy Seal, in the reign of Henry VIII., for a
president, 20 fellows, 20 scholars, 2 chaplains, and 14 exhibitioners; the
approach to this college is through a square tower, the roof of the gateway
is a fine specimen of tracery. The principal buildings are comprised in a
quadrangle, 100 feet by 80, in the centre of which stands a statue of the
founder with crozier and mitre; on the right are the scholars' apartments,
on the left the hall, and in the front the lodgings of the president, over
which is the library. The fellows' building, erected by Dr. Turner in 1706,
is a structure in the Ionic order, with a frontage of 119 feet. The hall is
50 feet by 25, and contains much beautiful carving and some good portraits.
The chapel is a very ornamental building 75 feet long and 25 broad. The
altar-piece is the celebrated "Adoration," by Rubens, and was the gift, in
1804, of Sir E. Worsley, Bart., it cost £2500. The library possesses many
valuable books and manuscripts, among which is a curious antique history of
the Bible in French, and a parchment roll shewing the pedigree of the royal
family from Alfred to Edward VI. The silver-gilt crozier of the founder,
about 6 feet high and npwards of 300 years old, is preserved here in a very
perfect state, also a very curious cup bearing his initials, and his rings,
&c. During the visit of the Allied Sovereigns to the University, in 1814,
the King of Prussia occupied the apartments of the president.
Christ Church, situate in St. Aldate street, is the chief college of the
University, and was founded by Cardinal Wolsey, who, in the years 1524 and
1525, obtained two Bulls from Pope Clement VII. allowing him the privilege
of suppressing twenty-two of the minor monasteries, and with the proceeds to
establish a school at Ipswich, and a college at Oxford. It is built on the
site of the priory of St. Frideswida and was commenced under the name of
"Cardinals College," but after considerable progress was made in the
erection, this prelate having fallen into disgrace with his royal master was
not permitted to complete an undertaking which is the brightest reflex of
his power. The works proceeded under the title of the College of King Henry
VIII., but after the creation of the Bishopric of Oxford it became known as
Christ Church. The principal front in St. Aldate street, extends 382 feet;
in the centre is a gateway and tower commenced by Wolsey but completed by
Sir Christopher Wren. It is called "Tom Gate," so named from the cupola
containing the " Great Tom " bell, celebrated for its fine tone. This bell,
ono of the largest in England, is 7 feet 1 inch in diameter, 5 feet 9 inches
from tbe crown to the brim, and 6 inches thick in the striking place; the
clapper is 3-12 Ibs., and the whole weight, 17,030 Ibs. It is inscribed
Magnvs. Thomas. Clvsivs. Oxoniensis. Ren Atvs. Apr 8, 1680. Every night at
ten minutes past nine it is tolled 101 times (the number of students), at
which hour the gates of most of the colleges are closed. The great
quadrangle, surrounded by a terrace walk, is 263 feet square; in the centre
is a handsome fountain. It is occupied as apartments for the dean and five
of the canons; on the right is the hall, over tbe entrance t) which is a
statue of Cardinal Wolsey, by Francis Bird, and in the north-west corner is
also a statue to Bishop Fell. The hall is of very large dimensions, being
115 feet by 40, and 60 high. The roof is of carved oak, ornamented with the
armorial bearings of Henry TIH. and Cardinal Wolsey. A fine collection of
portraits, about 120 in number, decorate the walls; it comprises Henry VIII.
and Cardinal Wolsey, by Holbein; Queen Elizabeth, by Zacchero; Dr. Aldrich,
by Kneller; Lord Grenville, Chancellor of the University, by Owen; the Eight
Hon. George Canning, by I^wrence, and many other celebrities, lay and
clerical. There is a fine bust of George IV-, by Chantrey. The kitchen,
situate on the south side, was the first part of the edifice constructed by
Wolsey; it contains the large gridiron, 4 feet 6 inches by 4 feet 1 inch,
supported by four wheels, and used before the introduction of ranges. The
common room, under the hall, chiefly owes its embellishments to the
liberality of Dr. Busby, the celebrated master of Westminster School. The
Grammar School, where the choristers are educated, is in the court near this
part of the quadrangle. The Peckwater quadrangle derives its name from an
ancient hall, the property of Eichard Peckwater, which stood at the
south-west corner of the present court, and subsequently was given to the
monks of St. Frideswida. It was rebuilt from designs by Dr. Aldrich in 1705,
and Dr. Anthony RadclifFe, once a canon of the college, gave £3,000 towards
its completion. It contains nearly eighty sets of rooms for the members. On
the south side is the Library-. This building was begun in the year 1710,
and completed in 1761. Its length is 161 feet, supported by columns of great
strength. Tho ground floor is occupied as a Picture Gallery, and contains a
most valuable collection. The upper room is 142 feet long, 30 broad, and 37
high. On the staircase leading to this apartment is a full length statue of
Locke. The works it contains are of a rare and valuable description, given
by numerous benefactors. A fine collection of pictures busts, &c., was
presented by General Guise in 1765. In 1780 a very valuable collection of
Arabic coins was given by Dr. Brown, Regius Professor of Hebrew, and there
are some carious paintings of the 13th, 14th, and 15th centuries, presented
by the Hon. W. T. H. F. Strangways. The Canterbury quadrangle on the east is
built on the site of Canterbury hall, granted to the college by Henry VIII;
the gateway of the court, which is of the Doric order, is much admired, and
was erected in 1778, by Wyatt, who also built the north and east sides of
the quadrangle; considerable addition to this college is now being made
which will provide about fifty sets of rooms for undergraduates; the
building will be about 400 feet in length and run parallel with, the Broad
walk; the estimated cost of this building is £21,000, and it will be
completed in about two years. The Cathedral is the chapel of this college.
The grounds and walks are extensive; the principal of which is Christ Church
Meadow, bounded on the east by the river Cherwell, on the south by the Isis,
on the west by a branch of the same river, and on the north by the Broad
walk, beautifully planted with, noble elm and other trees, and affords a
delightful promenade.
Trinity College was originally founded by Edward III., Richard II., and the
Priors and Bishops of Durham. At the time of the Reformation it was
suppressed, and in 1554 again endowed for a president, 12 fellows, and 12
scholars, by Sir Thomas Pope of Tittenhanger, Hertfordshire. Four
exhibitions were afterwards added by four individuals. The original
buildings of the college were erected in the 14th century, by Thomas
Hatfield, Bishop of Durham, on the site of some old tenements purchased by
the founder and called Durham College. They were improved and enlarged in
the early part of the 17th century, and now comprise one quadrangle, and a
second court consisting of three sides looking out upon the gardens. With
the exception of the front, which contains the chapel and tower and is of a
classic and pleasing appearance; the whole of the buildings display great
irregularities of style and possess few or no architectural attractions. The
principal entrance is approached by a large avenue opening from Broad
street. The style of the chapel, situate in the first court, is thought to
have originated with Dean Aldrich and Sir Christopher Wren. The decoration
of the interior is purely classical; its ceiling is in rich stucco-work,
beautified by a painting of the ascension; the altarpiece, composed of
cedar, is carved in a very superior manner by Gibbons. The hall is a fine
room, containing some good portraits. The most ancient part of this college
is the library; it contains many good works, among which is a curious
manuscript of Euclid, about 600 years old. The gardens are extensive, and
tastefully laid out, but are rendered somewhat gloomy by a too great
prevalence of yew trees in the avenues.
St. John's College was founded in 1555, by Sir Thomas White, alderman and
merchant tailor, of London- Its front is in St. Giles' street, and it stands
on the site of St. Bernard's College of Cistercian Monks, which had been
founded by Archbishop Chichele, in 1437. There is a statue of the founder
over the entrance, and another of St. Bernard. The foundation is for a
president, fifty fellows, a chaplain an organist, six singing men, six
choristers, and a sexton. The college comprises two large quadrangles; the
eastern side of the first is partly occupied by the president's lodgings,
the chapel on the north side contains some interesting monuments; in a black
marble urn is deposited the heart of Dr. Rawlinson, with the appropriate
inscription "Ubithesaurus ibi cor"—"where the treasure is, there should the
heart be." His body is interred in St. Giles' Church. The principal portion
of the inner quadrangle was completed in 1635, at the expense of Archbishop
Laud: it was built from a design by the celebrated Inigo Jones. The central
compartments of the eastern and western sides contain statues, by Fanelli,
of Charles I. and his Queen, Henrietta Maria. The library, on the south side
of this quadrangle, consists of two rooms, each upwards of 100 feet in
length, and is stored with valuable works and manuscripts. The large window
at the end of the first room is embellished with the arms of the Merchant
Tailors' Company, and other benefactors of the college, and in another
window are the arms of the Archbishop of Canterbury; there is also in this
room a portrait, by Vandyke, of Archbishop Laud. The hall is a fine
apartment, and contains portraits of the founder, Archbishops Laud and Juxon,
King George III. and others. The gardens about five acres in extent, display
a fine collection of horse-chesnut and other large trees, and are considered
the best specimen of collegiate horticulture in the city. The Bishop of
Winchester is visitor.
Jesus - College, situate on the west side of Turl Street, opposite Exeter
college, was founded in 1571, by Dr. Hugh Price, who in that year obtained a
charter from Queen Elizabeth. Its first foundation comprised a principal, 8
fellows, and 8 scholars; subsequent endowments by King Charles I. and other
benefactors enables the college to maintain a principal, 19 fellows, 18
scholars, and several exhibitioners. The buildings consist of two
quadrangles, the first of which measures 90 feet by 70, and contains the
chapel and hall. The front, restored in 1857, is not remarkable for
architectural beauty. The Chapel, situate on the north side of the first or
principal quadrangle, is a low but neat structure, erected in 1621; it has a
tastefully decorated interior and a richly embellished roof, in
compartments. The hall, which occupies the western side of the first court,
is a handsome well proportioned room, repaired and improved in 1818, and
contains portraits of Queen Elizabeth, King Charles I, numerous benefactors,
and of John Nash the architect. The Library contains some curious relics,
among which is a metal watch of Charles I. and a hugh silver bowl, capable
of containing 10 gallons. The second quadrangle is loftier and more
interesting than the low three-storied first quadrangle; it measures 100
feet by 90, and was completed in 1676.
Wadham College, founded by Nicholas Wadham in 1610; liis wife, who was joint
founder with him, completing it after his death, is for a warden, 15
fellows, 15 scholars, 2 chaplains, 2 clerks, and 4 exhibitioners. The
quadrangle which contains a square of 130 feet, is entered by a gate-house,
opposite to which is a porch ornamented with statues of James I. and of the
founder and his lady, who was the daughter of Sir William Petre, Secretary
of State. The hall and chapel are on the east side: the former is 82 feet
long, 35 feet broad, and 37 feet high. In the great window are represented
the arms and badges of James I. and also the arms of the principal
benefactors of the college, finely executed in stained glass, by Willement.
The oriel window contains the arms of eminent persons educated at Wadham
college. The chapel is a fine building, and handsomely finished. There are
many well-designed and handsome monuments. The reading-desk in the centre of
the chapel is formed of a brass eagle. The windows contain fine specimens of
painting: and in the ante-chapel, those embellished with stained glass are
exceedingly brilliant. At the cost of the Fellow Commoners the floor was
laid with marble in 1677. Dr. Wills, warden, who died in 1806, made some
very munificent bequests to this college; he left £400 per annum to the
wardenship; £1,000 for the improvement 'of the wardens' lodgings; £100 a
year for a law exhibition to a fellow; £20 a year for a law exhibition to a
scholar; £100 a year for a medical exhibition to a fellow ; £20 for a
medical exhibition to a scholar; 30 guineas a year to a divinity lecturer
and preacher; £75 to one superannuated fellow; and £50 a year to a second;
the college was appointed his residuary legatee. The gardens on the north
side of the chapel are tastefully laid out; beyond, are the parks. From many
points in this direction the college may be viewed to great advantage.
Pembroke College, originally Broadgate hall, is situate on the west side of
St. Aldate's, and was founded in 1624, by Thomas Tesdale, of Glympton,
Oxfordshire, and Richard Wightwick, Rector of Ilsley, in Berkshire. The
foundation is for a master, 14 fellows, and 30 scholars and exhibitioners.
The college forms two small courts; at the north-west of the first is the
hall and the library over it; and in the second is the chapel, a small but
richly decorated building of the Ionic order, containing some good
portraits. It was built at the expense of Bartholomew Tipping, Esq., of
Oxford. On the screen are his arms with the motto " Vive ut Vivas." The
college obtained its name from the Earl of Pembroke, Chancellor of the
University at the foundation. Dr. Samuel Johnson entered this college as
commoner in 1728.
Worcester College was founded in 1714, for a provost, 6 fellows, and 6
scholars, by Sir Thomas Cookes, Bart., of Bentley, Worcestershire: 15 other
fellowships and 10 scholarships have since been added. It consists of one
quadrangle, and is situate on the western side of the city. The hall is a
fine room, 60 feet by 30, and 30 feet high. It contains many very good
portraits. The chapel occupies the ground where the former edifice once
stood; the roof is richly ornamented, and the altar piece, a splendid
painting of a Magdalen, supposed to be by Guido. The library is a most
beautiful room, 120 feet long, well stored with works of a most valuable
character, many the gift of Dr. Clarke. In the different parts of the
college are many good portraits. The gardens contain beautiful water-walks,
and are celebrated for the taste displayed in their arrangement.
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