Radcliffe Quadrangle, Grade I listed university quadrangle in Oxford, England
Radcliffe Quadrangle is a university courtyard in Oxford with historic buildings arranged on three sides around a central open space, while a stone wall borders the Master's Lodgings grounds. The enclosure features covered walkways, staircases, and symmetrical sandstone facades that reflect classical Oxford design.
Construction took place between 1716 and 1719, funded by a bequest from Dr John Radcliffe, an alumnus who became a prominent physician. This project was part of a broader wave of college expansion and renovation that shaped Oxford during the early 18th century.
The quadrangle is named after Dr John Radcliffe, a celebrated physician, and serves as a daily gathering place where students move between lectures through covered walkways. Its enclosed layout creates a sense of community within the bustling city center.
The quadrangle is open to visitors during daylight hours and can be freely explored, allowing you to walk through the covered walkways and around the central courtyard. Visit on quieter weekdays or outside exam periods for a more relaxed experience without crowds of students.
The quadrangle has an irregular floor plan because High Street and Logic Lane curve at this location, limiting the available space for a regular rectangular design. This results in few square rooms and a complex interior layout shaped by the city's existing street pattern.
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