How to visit Balliol College, the oldest in Oxford: schedules, prices

You sure know that Oxford Is synonymous with University, and that a visit to this beautiful city located on the north london should have as one of the objectives to know some of its prestigious colleges.

The most famous of colleges oxford, and the most visited by tourists, is Christ Church.

Yes, the one of the movies about Harry Potter that have made their dining room world famous, and the one that houses Britain's smallest cathedral.

But in your Oxford excursion You should not miss the opportunity to visit someone else college (there are currently 38!), and a great candidate for your visit should be the Balliol College.

It is the oldest of the University residences What is there in Oxford, since its origins date back to nothing more and nothing less than the year 1263.

Curiosities history of Balliol College in Oxford

Of course, the curious story of its birth is not presented as the construction of what in Spain we understand as a major college.

This story tells us that John Balliol, one of the most loyal knights of the king Henry III of England, married the Scottish princess Dervoguilla.

Family Balliol He came from France and had lands in that country and in England.

But in 1260 John had a dispute with bishop of durham, so he had to move to the city of Oxford to live in a large house where the school is now located.

To survive, he decided to provide accommodation for 16 students.

When he died in 1269, his widow arranged for the building to be converted into a student residence.

The story ends with the information that their son, also called John of Balliol, in 1290 it became king of scotland.

Currently Balliol is the great college that you are in the center of Oxford, in the large square where you also have the main tourist office.

For a long time this residence was characterized by hosting the poorest students who went to school. University of Oxford, which did not prevent the Victorian age acquired prestige for having the highest academic level.

Among the most prestigious students who resided at Balliol Collegand there are many politicians and even Prime ministers From great britain.

And also writers, like Graham Greene o Aldous Huxley.

This is the visit to Balliol College in Oxford

La visit of Balliol College You start it through the main patio where buildings like the old and new are concentrated. Library or the Chapel.

On the way to the chapel You can see a memorial dedicated to the more than 300 residents of Balliol who died during the two world wars.

La Chapel The current Balliol dates back to 1857, as it is actually the third building built on the same site.

When you leave the chapel you access the large garden of the college, which is mostly surrounded by residential buildings for students.

Of course, on the other side of the garden there is a large building built in the 15th century, which is known as the Big room, where large student meetings are held and which also serves as a dining room.

The building was used as a library from 1877.

Balliol College Oxford visiting hours

The Balliol College visiting hours They are every day, from 10 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon.

El Balliol College entrance fee It is 3 pounds for the general public and one pound for students.

In short, an interesting visit that allows you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of these historic university institutions in England.