Lincoln College

Lincoln College stands on Turl Street in central Oxford. Founded in 1427 by Richard Fleming, Bishop of Lincoln, it is one of Oxford’s oldest colleges. The college has three quadrangles: the 15th-century Front Quad, the early 17th-century Chapel Quad, and the 19th-century Grove. Its library occupies the former All Saints’ Church, converted in 1971. The college also owns buildings across Turl Street, mostly used for student rooms. Virginia creeper climbs the walls of the Front Quad, turning scarlet in autumn.

The college has strong historical ties to Methodism through John Wesley, a fellow in the 18th century. Notable alumni include writers Dr. Seuss and John le Carré, and former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Past fellows include John Wesley, John Radcliffe, and antibiotics pioneers Howard Florey and Norman Heatley. The college has long rivalled Brasenose College, marked by an annual Ascension Day tradition involving free beer. Academically, it has ranked among Oxford’s top colleges in recent years.

Visitors find a series of stone-built quadrangles with medieval and later architecture. The Front Quad retains its 15th-century character, while the Chapel Quad dates to the early 1600s. Deep Hall, the college bar, lies beneath the great hall and was once the beer cellar. The Rector’s lodgings, neo-Georgian in style, open onto Turl Street. A wild-flower garden near the library entrance reflects the college’s environmental efforts. The setting has inspired literary works, including C. P. Snow’s *The Masters*.