Mansfield College’s late nineteenth-century buildings, which house the College’s main public rooms, are regarded as amongst the finest work of the important Victorian architect, Basil Champneys, so come along and see the Old Hall, Chapel and the hidden jewel that is the Main Library.

Mansfield College is renowned for successfully combining the best of Oxford with our own unique and innovative personality and prides itself on its progressive, informal environment, in which tutors and students work together to achieve academic excellence.

Throughout its history Mansfield has 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, providing a focal point for dissenters who had long been excluded from the religious life of the University. Students were largely Congregationalist, but those from other denominations were welcomed.

No longer a religious institution, it is currently the Oxford college with the highest proportion of state sector students. The current Principal is Helen Mountfield KC, renowned practitioner and academic expert in constitutional law, human rights and equality law, with 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, which house the College’s main public rooms, are regarded as amongst the finest work of the important Victorian architect, Basil Champneys. The Main Library rests under the spreading slopes of a great, pitched roof with attractive stencilled panels which are ornamented with 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. Fitted throughout with carved oak, mythical creatures, flowers and fruit can be seen in carvings above the bookshelves in the reading bays which also incorporate the original oak tables. The Chapel, now also used for dining, features fine stained-glass windows and statues (a detailed key will be available). 

Visitors for Open Doors will be able to access the Chapel, Old Hall, Main Library and the Crypt Café, where refreshments will be available to purchase. There will be live organ music in the Chapel coordinated by the Chaplain and Director of Music. There will be an architectural themed display and fun trail in the Main Library for young visitors too.

• Disabled access: 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.
• Refreshments available
• Activities for children and young people available
• Toilets available (including disabled access)

Image above: Ander McIntyre