The Meadow Building

The Meadow Building is a student residence at Christ Church College in Oxford dating from the 19th century, extending southward across Broad Walk toward the adjacent meadow. Its structure displays Venetian Gothic architectural features and houses numerous rooms for undergraduate students.

The building was constructed between 1862 and 1866 by Irish architect Thomas Deane during a period when Oxford University was reshaping its teaching structures. Its creation came from the need to provide additional space for a growing student population.

The building takes its name from the meadow beside it and shapes how students experience daily life there, moving between rooms and outdoor spaces. It forms part of the visible residential fabric where inhabitants naturally gather and spend their time.

The building is not always open to visitors since it functions as a private residential area for students. Outside guests can view its architecture from external areas, particularly from Broad Walk, or learn more about the college through guided tours.

The architecture showcases Venetian influences even though the building was designed by an Irish architect, making for an unusual stylistic blend. This choice of Venetian formal language was uncommon for 19th century English academic architecture.

Location: Oxford

GPS coordinates: 51.74940,-1.25444

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:00