Merton College

Merton College is an educational institution of the University of Oxford in England, distinguished by several stone courtyards. Mob Quad forms the oldest of these courtyards and connects residential buildings, administrative rooms, and the library in a closed rectangular complex from the 14th century.

Walter de Merton founded the institution in 1264 and thus created one of the first communities within the University of Oxford. In the 14th century, the authorities expanded the site with Mob Quad and the library, which has since maintained its collection without interruption.

The name recalls Walter de Merton, the 13th-century founder, while the architecture today surrounds students and visitors with its medieval structure. The chapel with its tall windows still serves as a venue for worship and choir rehearsals and shapes the academic life of the community.

The buildings are located in the center of Oxford, where narrow lanes lead to the entrances and visitors should check opening times. The courtyards are partly accessible to the public, although the chapel and individual rooms may remain closed during academic events.

Every year at the switch to winter time, students walk backward around Fellows Quad as part of a ceremony, marking the moment when the clock is set back. This ritual combines academic humor with a playful celebration of the change in time.

Location: Oxford

Inception: 1264

Founders: Walter de Merton

Operator: Merton College

Part of: University of Oxford

Website: http://merton.ox.ac.uk

GPS coordinates: 51.75106,-1.25211

Latest update: December 12, 2025 23:07