Visit The Queen’s College

The Queen’s College

Founded in 1341 in the reign of Edward III

It’s founder, a humble chaplain, wanted to provide an education to poor scholars of Cumberland.

It is considered Oxford’s finest ensemble of Neo-Classical architecture believed to have been inspired by lost drawings by Nicolas Hawksmoor with contributions from Christopher Wren. .

It’s chapel is a jewel of this sumptuous crown with an exquisitely carved screen and stucco ceiling.

During term time Queen’s invites the public to attend and enjoy Choral Evensong which takes place during term time three times per week. There is also a weekly organ recital open to the public on Wednesday lunchtimes in term.  Details: https://www.queens.ox.ac.uk/chapel-and-choir/.

Oxford’s events are regularly broadcast on the Oxford History Tour Twitter/Xero account too. Follow here.

A change of fortune

Queens has a reputation for frugality. Frivolous belongings like dogs and bows and arrows were strictly forbidden. A sentiment still remembered today in an annual college tradition where students are handed a needle and thread and told to be thrifty.

Queen’s Alumni include

Queens is the Alma Mater to Edmond Halley, Tim Berners Lee and Rowan Atkinson.

Queen’s College tours are not always available.

Please enquire

If you would like to include Queen’s College as part of your Oxford History Tour please send a message.

Please include your group size, and desired date and special interests

  • "The tour was well thought out and Sophie was an engaging guide with a mine of interesting information, much of it new to me even as someone who's lived in Oxford for the past 30 years. Definitely recommended."

    J Willams, Oxford

  • "Sophie offered us a tailor-made tour that perfectly met our expectations."

    Steve, Munich, Germany

  • "Wonderful tour about Oxford, very knowledgeable guide. We enjoyed every minute of it."

    Maria, USA

  • "Sophie is a congenial host with vast knowledge of the colleges and general Oxford area. Good communication and instruction for meet up. Would highly recommend her tour!"

    Andrew, New York, USA

  • "Fascinating tour by a wonderful guide!"

    Michael, USA

  • "Sophie is so knowledgeable! Oxford is a city of history, and she knows it so well. Her recommendation for our dinner after the tour was perfect! She also took care of me beforehand in suggesting other things to do before her tour. She’s the best. A pro’s pro!"

    Kori, USA

  • "My history tour with Sophie was informative and entertaining. The horror was made funny and the ridiculous serious. I was surprised by how much I didn't know and went away with new insights into, not only the university's history and traditions, but the history of England generally. I also got some good ideas for the rest of my stay in Oxford. Thank you!"

    James, UK

  • "This tour was a lovely introduction to Oxford University. As a recent transplant from the US, it was a great way to get my bearings of the area, visit a college, and learn about some fascinating local history. Whether we were gazing at gargoyles or admiring beautiful stained glass, Sophie was a true delight – very knowledgeable, thoughtful, and well-articulated. I highly recommend this experience!"

    Megan, USA

  • "Fascinating, thoughtfully constructed tour of Oxford University encompassing a thousand years of history. I've lived in Oxford for thirty years, yet in this tour learned new and intriguing nuggets about the city, discovered hidden gems in ancient stone buildings that I've been strolling past all these years."

    Maria, Oxford, UK

  • "Sophie is a superb, experienced and enriching guide. We are a retired US professional couple. We've hired individual local guides throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia, and Sophie tops our list! She spent hours with us in advance, curating our day in Oxford, then filled our tour with history, architecture, art, education, culture…and fun. The day was perfectly paced and suited to our needs. It was a graduation day, so like the happy students, we too tossed our hats in celebration. Brava Sophie!"

    K & A Krupsky, Chicago, USA