Oxford - New College

Not far to the east of Hertford College is the fortress-like New College, which in spite of its name is not new, having been founded in 1379 by William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester. Until 1854 only students from Winchester were admitted. The chapel was one of the first examples of the Perpendicular style. The stained glass is mostly 14th century, an exception being the large window in the antechapel, which was painted in 1787 from designs by Sir Joshua Reynolds. Other notable features are the statue of Lazarus by Epstein and memorials to three German members of the college who fell in the war. The choir stalls have the original 14th century misericords. Choral evensong in the chapel is an occasion not to be missed if opportunity offers. The high hall has fine linenfold paneling. The cloisters, with wood vaulting, and the detached bell-tower date from the 14th century. The beautiful gardens (1711) are bounded on two sides by the old town walls.