Oriel College, Oxford

History

Founded in 1324 by Adam de Brome, Rector of the University Church. Under the patronage of Edward II, he diverted the revenue of St Mary's to his college, which thereafter was responsible for appointing the vicar. De Brome's foundation of 1324 was confirmed by Edward II in a charter of 1326. Oriel is the fifth oldest of Oxford's colleges, and the oldest college that doesn't habitually claim it is the oldest college. The official name of the College is ?the House of Blessed Mary the Virgin in Oxford commonly called Oriel College', the name Oriel being used from about 1349 which probably originated from a tenement known as Seneschal Hall or La Oriole granted to the college in 1327. The word oriel probably referred to either a balcony or oriel window forming a feature of the earlier property.

Related Topics:
1324 - Adam de Brome - Edward II - 1326 - 1349 - 1327 - Oriel window

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In the 1830s, intellectually eminent Fellows of Oriel, John Keble, Thomas Arnold, and John Henry Newman, supported by Canon Pusey of Christ Church and others, formed a group known as the Oxford Movement, alternatively as the Tractarians, or familiarly as the Puseyites. The group were disgusted by the indolence prevailing in the Church, and they sought to revive the spirit of early Christianity.

Related Topics:
1830s - John Keble - Thomas Arnold - John Henry Newman - Canon Pusey - Christ Church - Oxford Movement - Indolence - Early Christianity

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First Quadrangle

Nothing survives of the original buildings, which were demolished when the quadrangle was built in the 17th Century. The south and west ranges and the clock tower were built around 1620 to 1622, the north and east ranges and the chapel buildings date from 1637 to 1642.

Related Topics:
Quadrangle - 17th Century - 1620 - 1622 - 1637 - 1642

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King Charles I is commemorated on the portico of the hall entrance which has pierced stonework stating "REGNANTE CAROLO" (in the reign of Charles) and was completely rebuilt in 1897. The main facade is a classical E shape comprising the college chapel, hall and undercroft. High above the entrance to hall stands a statue of the Virgin Mary above two Kings: Edward II on the left, it is disputed who the other King is, but is probably either Charles I or James I. The oriel above the chapel door was used by John Henry Newman during his time as a fellow of the college, it now has modern stained glass commemorating Newman and his life. The chapel was consecrated in 1642 and still retains nearly all of its original fittings.

Related Topics:
King Charles I - 1897 - James I - 1642

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Second Quadrangle

Originally a garden, the demand for more accommodation resulted in two free standing blocks being built between 1720 and 1729. Further building were erected in the late 19th Century. The north range houses the Palladian library and senior common rooms - designed by James Wyatt, it was built between 1788 and 1796.

Related Topics:
1720 - 1729 - 19th Century - Palladian - James Wyatt - 1788 - 1796

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St Mary Hall/Third Quadrangle

The mediaeval rectory house of St. Mary?s Church served as an annex to Oriel College upon its foundation. It steadily developed into an independent entity and in 1545 the door between St Mary Hall and Oriel College was blocked up. The Hall took on its own lecturers but the Principals of St Mary Hall continued to be Fellows of Oriel for another hundred years. By 1875 its undergraduate body had risen to 60, a large number at that time. In 1902, the Hall was incorporated into Oriel College, though some remnants of the relationship still exist - the post of Vicar of St. Mary's Church carries dining rights at Oriel.

Related Topics:
Mediaeval - Rectory - 1545 - St Mary Hall - Lecturer - Principal - 1875 - 1902

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The building pictured in the infobox is the Rhodes Building, built in 1911. It was designed by Basil Champneys and stands squarely on the site of the Principal's house, on the High Street. Champney's first proposal for the building included an open arcade to the High Street, a domed central feature and ballustraded parapet. The left hand block and much of the centre centre was to be given up to a new Provost's Lodging, and the five windows on the first floor above the arcade were to light a gallery belonging to the Lodging. The college eventually decided to retain the existing Provost's Lodging and demanded detailing 'more in accordance with the style which has become traditional in Oxford'. It became the last building of the Jacobean revival style in Oxford.

Related Topics:
1911 - Basil Champneys - Arcade - Domed - Parapet - Jacobean revival style

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The 'Island' Site

A triangle of buildings, bordered by Oriel Street, King Edward Street (created by the college between 1872 and 1873) and Oriel Square. The site took six hundred years to acquire. Previously let for commercial ventures, it now is dominated by student accommodation. The Harris Building (formerly a real tennis court where King Charles I played tennis with his nephew Prince Rupert in December 1642 and King Edward VII had his first tennis lesson in 1859), is now given over to student accommodation and a fully functional theatre.

Related Topics:
1872 - 1873 - Real tennis - Prince Rupert - 1642 - King Edward VII - 1859 - Theatre

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James Mellon Hall

James Mellon Hall (aka JMH) is Oriel's modern annexe, situated on Rectory Road and bordered by the Cowley Road. The site incoprorates a former nunnery, neighbouring buildings on Rectory Road and impressive purpose built halls of residence. Principally the choice of digs for Oriel's graduates and finalists, the site also has its own common rooms, squash court, gymnasium and support staff.

Related Topics:
Cowley Road - Nunnery - Gymnasium

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Oriel Street

The name "Oriel Street" was in use by 1850, from 1210 it was called "Schidyard Street" and between 1542 and 1772 it was known as St. Mary Hall Lane.

Related Topics:
1850 - 1210 - 1542 - 1772

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