St Mary's College, Oxford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary's College |
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| University | University of Oxford |
| Location | New Inn Hall Street |
| Coordinates | 51°45′10″N 1°15′35″W / 51.7528°N 1.2596°W |
| Established | 1435 |
| Closed | 1541 |
| Named for | Saint Mary |
| Map | |
 Location in Oxford city centre
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St Mary's College was a special school, or college, in Oxford, England. It was part of the famous University of Oxford. It's important not to mix it up with two other colleges that also had "St. Mary's" in their names. These are better known today as Oriel College and New College. St Mary's College was founded a long time ago, in the year 1435, and it closed down in 1541.
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Starting St Mary's College
In the 1400s, some religious leaders called canons from Osney Abbey wanted to study at Oxford University. These canons were part of a group called the Augustinian order. They often attended classes at Oxford. Sometimes, other Augustinian canons could also stay at Oseney to study. However, this was not a guaranteed right.
A New Idea for a College
Because of this, in 1421, the Augustinian order decided to ask for a new college. They met in Leicester and sent a request to King Henry V. They wanted to build a college just for their order in Oxford.
They even found a place for the college. It was near where Balliol College is today. But this plan did not happen because King Henry V died in 1422.
How the College Was Built
Later, in 1435, a couple named Thomas and Elizabeth Holden helped make the college a reality. They gave land in Oxford and built a chapel. This is how St Mary's College officially began.
Running the College
In 1448, the leader of Oseney Abbey made rules for the college. Other students, who were not canons, could also join. But they had to pay for their place to live. The college was led by someone called the prior studentium, which means "prior of the students."
Where St Mary's College Was
St Mary's College was located on the east side of New Inn Hall Street in Oxford. You can still see a gateway from the old college today.
Frewin Hall Today
The buildings that were rebuilt on the site are now known as Frewin Hall. This name comes from Richard Frewin, who was a student at Christ Church, Oxford in the late 1600s. He later became a professor of Chemistry.
Famous Visitors
- In 1789, Brasenose College rented Frewin Hall. For many years, it was the home of the main professor of medicine at Oxford University.
- In 1860, Edward, Prince of Wales, stayed briefly at Frewin Hall. He later became King Edward VII of England. He lived there with his teachers.
What Remains of the Old College
A professor named John Blair has studied the old buildings of St Mary's College. He has figured out how the site looked a long time ago. The special wooden roof from the college's chapel was saved. It was moved and used again in the chapel of Brasenose College in the 1600s. It is still there today, hidden above a plaster ceiling.
