Wadham College, Oxford

History

Wadham College was founded by Nicholas and Dorothy Wadham during the reign of King James I. Nicholas died in 1609 leaving his fortune to endow a College at Oxford. These intentions were translated into reality by his widow, Dorothy, a formidable lady of 75 who had the College ready for opening within four years.

Jacobean in style, the buildings around the Front Quad, including the Chapel and Hall, were designed by master mason William Arnold.  Notable is the clock face, designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Statues of James I and the Founders face visitors as they enter the College.

Notable members of the College include John Wilkins, co-founder of the Royal Society, Robert Blake, Cecil Day Lewis, Dr Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury, Melvyn Bragg, broadcaster and novelist, and actress Rosamund Pike.

Food & Beverage

The Hall, one of the largest in Oxford is notable for its great hammer-beam roof and for the Jacobean woodwork screen.  Portraits include those of the founders and of distinguished College members.

A full English buffet breakfast is included in the price of the room and is served in the magnificent 17th century Hall from 8.00am  – 9.15am (unless otherwise stated on the room type title booked, please note that some rooms are offered as Room only).

Grounds & Gardens

A stay at Wadham gives you the opportunity to relax and stroll in beautiful tranquil gardens. 

Originally a series of orchards and market gardens they have been restored and reshaped over the centuries.

As well as tranquil areas of lawn and vibrant borders Wadham’s gardens are notable for their collection of trees. Specimens include a silver pendent lime, tulip tree, golden yew, purple beech, cedar of Lebanon, gingko, giant redwood, tree of heaven, incense cedar, Corsican pine, magnolia and a rare Chinese gutta-percha.

Each summer the garden hosts open air performances of a Shakespeare play.

Other facilities

All of the bedrooms have WiFi access.

A laundry is available with washing machines, dryers, and ironing facilities. 

This is an environmentaly friendly college. During your stay towels will be changed every 2-3 days.  More frequent changes are available on request.

Wadham also boasts the oldest (1748) custom-built concert hall in Europe known as Holywell Music Room. It may be possible for you to attend a concert in this famous music hall during your stay.