All Souls College — Attraction in Oxford

All Souls College, University of Oxford, founded in 1438, is a unique academic institution within Oxford University. Unlike other colleges, All Souls is primarily a research institution with no undergraduates, admitting only scholars who have already obtained a degree for further research. This gives it a special status within Oxford University, regarded as a sanctum for advanced scholars.

The college was established to commemorate the fallen of the Battle of Agincourt and Henry V. Its name, "All Souls," reflects this commemorative purpose. The original mission of the college was to pray for the repose of all souls, especially those who lost their lives in conflict.

All Souls College is renowned for its rigorous selection process. Each year, only a very small number of outstanding recent graduates or young scholars who have achieved distinction are chosen to become fellows of the college, a process that is highly competitive. Being selected as a member of All Souls is considered a great honor, symbolizing the pinnacle of academic achievement.

The college's architecture is also an iconic sight in Oxford, including the famous Codrington Library and its magnificent Gothic-style buildings, making it a must-visit place when touring Oxford.

Overall, All Souls College is not just a center for academic research but also an important part of British history and culture, attracting scholars from...

During my recent visit to Oxford, I had the chance to view All Souls College from the outside. The college’s remarkable Gothic architecture, featuring impressive spires and detailed stone carvings, made a striking impression on me. I learned that All Souls serves a distinctive role within the University of Oxford, dedicated solely to postgraduate studies and scholarly research, without any undergraduate students. This unique focus enhances its reputation as a center of academic excellence. While I was unable to explore its interior, simply observing the college from the outside deepened my appreciation for its historical significance and its contribution to the intellectual landscape of...

Beautiful college that you can visit for free on certain days and hour. I visited on a Sunday afternoon and it was a bit busy but not as much as Christ Church College thankfully so you can still enjoy your visit. The college is lovely and is a hidden gem in Oxford! You can only visit the courtyard and the cathedral so it's pretty small but...