Harris Manchester College, University college in Oxford, England.
Harris Manchester College is a college of the University of Oxford housed in a Victorian red brick building with a chapel where Pre-Raphaelite stained glass windows catch the light. The courtyard sits behind wrought iron gates and shows trimmed lawns surrounded by multi-storey wings with bay windows and chimney stacks.
The institution opened its doors in 1757 in Warrington as a place for Unitarian students who found no place at other institutions. After several moves it reached Oxford in 1893 and gained full college status within the university only over a century later.
The Tate Library at the Hodgkin Building holds works on the Unitarian movement and texts about religious tolerance, traces of a tradition of open thinking. Visitors see reading rooms with dark wood and tall shelves where historical folios stand beside modern editions.
The grounds sit a few walking minutes east of the Bodleian Library and allow access through a small gateway from the main road. Visitors can enter the chapel during term time mornings provided no event is taking place.
The college admits only students who are at least 21 years old, a particularity among Oxford institutions. This orientation shapes the community and teaching style, as all residents have already left behind work experience or other life paths.
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