Oxford venues

Merton College Chapel

Merton College Chapel is built around a church dedicated to St Mary and St John dating from the late 1280s. The south transept was added in the 14th century, the north transept in 1425 and the tower in 1450. The nave was never built, resulting in the T-shape later adopted by other Oxford colleges. As well as its worship functions the chapel is in regular use as one of Oxford’s most popular venues for small-scale classical concerts.

Sheldonian Theatre

The Sheldonian Theatre was completed in 1669 to a design by Sir Christopher Wren from funds donated by Gilbert Sheldon, who during his long career held office as Archbishop of Canterbury and Chancellor of the University of Oxford. In 1994 the theatre was described by the European Commission as “one of the architectural jewels of Oxford”. In addition to functioning as the ceremonial hall of the University, the Sheldonian is Oxford’s main venue for large-scale classical concerts. Few spaces can match its atmosphere or acoustic.

University Church

The University Church, dedicated to St Mary the Virgin, was at first only a parish church, but as Oxford grew it became the University’s centre as well. In time the academic functions were removed to purpose-built accommodation – business to the Congregation House, the library to the Bodleian, degree ceremonies to the Sheldonian Theatre – and by the mid-17th century the church was again primarily a place of worship, as it remains today. The spire, Oxford’s largest, was completed in the 14th century, the chancel in 1453 and the nave by 1510.

Exeter College Chapel

Exeter College Chapel was built in the 1850s to a design by the Gothic revivalist George Gilbert Scott. Like Scott’s similar work at St John’s in Cambridge, it takes inspiration from the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris and is celebrated as one of the finest products of Victorian architecture. Its spire is an unmistakable part of the Oxford skyline, and the breathtaking interior combines lofty grandeur with enticing intimacy. The Chapel is home to regular worship during term and concerts throughout the year.