Keble College

Keble College stands on Parks Road in Oxford, opposite the University Museum and the University Parks. It is bordered by Keble Road to the north, Museum Road to the south, and Blackhall Road to the west. The college was established in 1870 as a memorial to John Keble, a leading figure in the Oxford Movement. Originally, it focused on theological teaching but now offers a wide range of subjects. After the Second World War, the college shifted towards scientific courses, influenced by its proximity to the university’s science area. Keble is known for its striking red-brick buildings designed by William Butterfield in the neo-Gothic style. These buildings broke from Oxbridge tradition by arranging rooms along corridors rather than staircases. The college has grown to become one of Oxford’s largest, with 465 undergraduates and 550 graduate students. Its sister college at Cambridge is Selwyn College. The college’s history includes notable figures like Edward Pusey, after whom the Pusey quad is named, and John Keble himself, whose memorial inspired its founding. Visitors find five quads on the main site: Liddon, Pusey, Hayward, De Breyne, and Newman. The original brick complex includes the Chapel and Hall, funded by William Gibbs. Modern additions include the futuristic ‘goldfish bowl’ bar and the O’Reilly Theatre, designed by Rick Mather. The theatre seats between 128 and 250, depending on the setup, and hosts productions chosen by the Martin Esslin Society. The H B Allen Centre, a former hospital, now houses graduate students a short walk from the main buildings.