England
Oxfordshire

Worcester College, Oxford University

A college for Benedictine monks existed on this site since 1283. The college, called Gloucester, was housed in part in small cottages, which still survive as part of the present Worcester College. The continued existence of these cottages was the result of lack of funds, not a strong sense of the need to preserve architectural heritage.

Gloucester College went the way of all monastic establishments in the Dissolution, and the property was taken over by a new foundation called Gloucester Hall in 1560.

In 1714 Gloucester Hall became Worcester College thanks to the generosity of Sir Thomas Cookes, a landowner in Worcestershire. As a result of Cookes' bequest the majority of Worcester's buildings were built in the Georgian style.

The sumptuous Library was built in 1736 thanks to another benefactor, Sir George Clarke, whose collection of original drawings by architect Inigo Jones is unrivaled anywhere.

Worcester College is fortunate in that a number of notable architects had a hand in the creation of its buildings. Sir James Wyatt was responsible for the Hall and Chapel, which were finished around 1770, and Nicholas Hawksmoor, who created the Library.

One of the major attractions for visitors to Worcester College is the extensive (28 acres) gardens, which are every bit as popular as the historic architecture.

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Text © David Ross and Britain Express