Mansfield College

Mansfield College is renowned for its own unique and innovative personality and prides itself on its progressive, informal environment. Mansfield has always worked hard to make an Oxford education available to previously excluded groups. Established in Oxford in 1886 it began as a theological training college for nonconformist ministers, who had long been excluded from the religious life of the University.
No longer a religious institution, it is currently the Oxford college with the highest proportion of state sector students. The current Principal, Helen Mountfield KC, has particular experience in the education sector.
Mansfield occupies one of the most attractive sites in Oxford, close to all the libraries and shops, yet in a quiet
position near to the University parks and River Cherwell. The late nineteenth-century buildings are regarded as amongst the finest work of Basil Champneys. The Main Library rests under the spreading slopes of a great, pitched roof with attractive stencilled panels, scrolls and Latin mottoes and studded with carved bosses. The Library has the appearance of a medieval tithe barn with a gallery and reading bays below. The Chapel, now also used for dining, features fine stained-glass windows and statues.
Visitors for Open Doors will be able to access the Chapel, Old Hall, Main Library and the Crypt Cafe, where refreshments will be available. There will be an architectural themed display and fun trail in the Main Library for young visitors too.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 13 September:

1100-1600

Location & directions

Mansfield College, Mansfield Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 3TF

Contact on day:

Anna Clark

Telephone number:

+441865242918

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Partial access for wheelchairs and pushchairs to some of the building as there is a ramp to the Café and ground level access to the Chapel. The Library and Old Hall are more inaccessible as there are only stairs up to them, no lift unfortunately. There are disabled parking spaces and accessible toilets available.

Additional information

For children there will be a fun trail in the Main Library.

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