King's Arms, Grade II listed pub in Oxford, England
King's Arms is a Grade II listed pub located at the intersection of Parks Road and Holywell Street, facing the New Bodleian Library in central Oxford. The interior features multiple rooms with traditional character, including a back bar historically used for academic conversation and meetings.
The pub was established in 1607 when Thomas Franklyn received a license to open an inn named in honor of King James I. It became a significant meeting place for Oxford scholars, serving this role for generations until the modern era.
The name reflects King James I, during whose reign the establishment opened. Today it functions as a gathering place where students and academics from the nearby university continue the traditional connection between pub life and scholarly community.
The pub serves traditional British food alongside a regular selection of cask ales. Its location at a central Oxford intersection makes it easily accessible and convenient to reach from the main university buildings.
The pub is owned by Wadham College and has served for centuries as an informal meeting ground for scholars and thinkers. This unique ownership and purpose give it a character shaped by intellectual conversation rather than typical commercial hospitality.
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