Middle Ages
On 24 April 1324, the Rector of the University Church, Adam de Brome, obtained a licence from King Edward II to found a "certain college of scholars studying various … See more

The college's coat of arms are blazoned: "Gules, three lions passant guardant or within a bordure engrailed argent". In recognition of Oriel's foundation by King Edward II, the arms are based on the royal arms of England, which also feature three lions, with a bordure added See more

Accommodation is provided for all undergraduates, and for some graduates, though some accommodation is off-site. Members are … See more

Oriel has produced many notable alumni, from statesmen and cricketers to industrialists; a notable undergraduate in the 16th century was See more

First Quad (Front Quad)
The Oriel Street site was acquired between 1329 and 1392. Nothing survives of the original buildings, La Oriole and the smaller St Martin's Hall in the south-east; both were demolished before the quadrangle was … See more

One of the following two college prayers is recited by the provost or the senior fellow present at the conclusion of Evensong on Sundays and other services:
Modern: O merciful God and Father, from whom the whole family in Heaven and Earth is named, … See more

Oriel has three notable pieces of medieval plate. The first is a French beaker and cover in silver gilt; past estimates on its dating from 1460 to … See more