Balliol College, University college in Oxford, England
Description
Balliol College is a university college in Oxford, England, with buildings from different centuries arranged around two courtyards in the city center. The chapel shows Victorian architecture with stained glass windows, while the library occupies a narrow tower with pointed gables.
History
John de Balliol and his wife Dervorguilla of Galloway founded this institution in 1263 after a dispute with the Bishop of Durham. The couple endowed income for poor scholars who could not otherwise afford an education.
Culture
The centuries-old tradition of dining in hall brings students and tutors together each evening at long wooden tables beneath a vaulted ceiling. The name recalls John de Balliol, a Scottish nobleman whose family founded the college as penance for a political dispute.
Practical
The main entrance sits directly on Broad Street and remains open to visitors during regular hours, with the courtyards usually accessible for viewing. Those who want to see the chapel or library should check with the porter's lodge for current conditions.
Did you know?
Holywell Manor houses graduate students in a medieval manor whose rooms display artwork created by former members. A small garden behind the building serves as a quiet retreat away from the busy streets of the center.
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