Vine Hall, Oxford facts for kids

Vine Hall was an old building that was once part of the famous University of Oxford in England. It was located on a street called Alfred Street way back in the 1500s.

Vine Hall later became a part of a larger area within Christ Church, Oxford, known as the Peckwater Quadrangle. The building was so important that it even gave its name to the street it was on! This street used to be called Vine Hall Lane before it became Alfred Street. Some people even think the street should go back to its old name.

What Was Vine Hall?

Vine Hall was a special kind of academic hall. Think of it like a small college or a dormitory where students and teachers lived and studied. In the 1500s, it was a place where people studied civil law, which is a type of law dealing with private rights and disputes.

A Gift from a King

In 1547, a very important person, King Henry VIII, gave Vine Hall to Christ Church. He also gave them other nearby halls like Peckwater's Inn, Brid Hall, and Maiden Hall. This gift helped Christ Church grow bigger and stronger.

A Famous School

Vine Hall was once home to a well-known grammar school. A grammar school in those days taught subjects like Latin and Greek, which were very important for education. A famous scholar named John Leland even taught there. He was known for traveling all over England and writing about its history and places.

The Street's Name

The street where Vine Hall stood was first known as St Edward's Lane. But by 1576, people started calling it Vine Hall Lane because of the important building there. Even though it's now called Alfred Street, the name Vine Hall Lane reminds us of the hall's long history.