Chapel of St Mary at Smith Gate

The Chapel of St Mary at Smith Gate is an octagonal stone building on Catte Street, located opposite the Clarendon Building. The structure rises from its foundations with thick stone walls that emphasize its geometric shape, typical of its late medieval design period.

The building was established in the late 14th century as part of Oxford's fortification system at Smith Gate. Major reconstruction took place in 1520, followed by the removal of its religious status in the 1530s as broader changes swept through the city.

The name derives from the Virgin Mary, and students once used this space for prayer before academic gatherings at the nearby Divinity School. Today the building serves the college community in a different way, though its original spiritual purpose shaped centuries of daily routines here.

The building is not open to independent visitors as it now serves as a private facility for Hertford College students. The best way to experience it is to view the exterior from Catte Street or take part in a guided college tour.

The building connects to Hertford College through a dedicated passageway called the Bridge of Sighs. This stone structure allows students to move between the college and the chapel without going outside onto the street.

Location: Oxford

Address: Hertford College, Catte Street, Oxford OX1 3BW, England

GPS coordinates: 51.75471,-1.25411

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:42