On Sunday 12 September, after a year’s hiatus, Univ was finally able to welcome back members of the public as part of the Oxford Open Doors weekend. The event, overseen by the Oxford Preservation Trust, sees many of Oxford’s historic and iconic buildings opened to the public and this year College had some special treats in store for visitors.

In addition to our usual self-guided tours, showcasing the Quads, Chapel, Hall and the spectacular (and always hugely popular) Shelley Memorial, this year was the first in which Univ opened the Master’s Garden to the public. As well as affording wonderful views of the Master’s Lodgings – built between 1877 and 1879 by architects George Bodley and Thomas Garner – the Garden also served as home for the day for both a plant sale and the Propagation Workshops run by our Head Gardener, Bruce Taylor.

Elsewhere in College busy Library tours ran throughout the day with Librarian, Elizabeth Adams, and Library Assistant, Hannah Thompsett, fielding questions on the collections’ histories and the building architecture, and introducing our guests to the monumental statues of Lords Eldon and Stowell.

Refreshments were available through our Buttery – which could then be enjoyed in Hall – whilst many opted to take the opportunity and relax in the Fellows’ Garden with cream tea and Pimms.

More than 1,600 people passed through the College gates on the day; it was a pleasure to welcome each and every one of them and we look forward to doing so again at Oxford Open Doors 2022.

If you’re interested in further details of the day and College history in general, you can still download our Open Doors Visitors’ Guide. Details of the Oxford Preservation Trust here.

Published: 15 September 2021

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