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Oxford University - St. John's College
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St. John's College
Over the gateway to St. John's College is a statue of St. Bernard, a relic of the original college. Effigies of Bishop Chichele, founder of St. Bernard's, and Sir Thomas White, founder of St. John's, flank the statue. The front quad is ringed by rebuilt remnants of the 15th century college buildings, along with dormer windows added in the 16th and 17th century. Canterbury Quad at St. John's was built by Archbishop Laud in 1631-1636. On the east and west of the quad are statues of King Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria, who both resided in Oxford during the dark days of the English Civil War. In the Library on the south side of the quad is memorabilia associated with the Archbishop and Charles I, along with a collection of medieval manuscripts, Caxton's 1482 illustrated version of The Canterbury Tales, Jane Austen's letters, and James I's prayer book. The Library is not open to visitors. The east front of Canterbury Quad looks over the college garden, with carefully landscaped lawns and a popular rock-garden. More Oxford University Colleges Text © David Ross and Britain Express | |
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There was
a college dedicated to St. Bernard on this spot in 1437. That college, which provided
for the eduacation of Cistercian monks, was abolished during the Dissolution of
the Monasteries. In its place a new college dedicated to St. John was founded
in 1555 under the patronage of Sir Thomas White, a former Lord Mayor of London.