On Sunday 11 September, in collaboration with the Oxford Preservation Trust, Univ once more welcomed visitors as part of the annual Oxford Open Doors celebration.

From a slightly overcast 10am start through to a brilliantly sunny 4pm close we were delighted to welcome almost 2,000 visitors to College as they explored the Quads, Chapel, Hall and grounds.

In addition to many local residents – more than one of whom had always wondered what was beneath “the dome” (answer: the Shelley Memorial of course) – it was also a delight to welcome so many more visitors from overseas than had been able to join us in 2021.

Picnics were enjoyed in the Fellows’ Garden, portraits in Hall – both “traditional” and those making up our Young Univ Gallery – were much admired, and the stunning Abraham van Linge Chapel windows were marvelled over. Shelley, as always, proved to be a significant draw too.

We had the pleasure of speaking to a number of visitors whose relatives had once called Univ home (in one instance a great-great grandfather) and were also able to welcome back a number of Old Members keen to reminisce and revisit old haunts.

We are already looking forward to making plans for Oxford Open Doors 2023 and to welcoming back all those who wish to explore our beautiful college.

Our digital Visitors Guide from 2022 Open Doors is available to download.

Published: 13 September 2022

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