Hertford College, Oxford

Bridge of Sighs at Hertford College

Hertford College is one of the colleges of the University of Oxford. The full name of the college is the Principal, Fellows and Scholars of Hertford College in the University of Oxford. It is best-known for its bridge, called "The Bridge of Sighs".

Hertford was originally known as "Hart Hall". The land for Hart Hall was bought by Elias de Hertford in 1282. Hart Hall was a residence for students at other colleges in Oxford. In 1312, Hart Hall was purchased by Walter de Stapledon, who was the Bishop of Exeter. De Stapledon founded Exeter College and Hart Hall was controlled by Exeter College for many years.

In 1710, William Newton became the Principal of Hart Hall. In 1723, Newton formally proposed that Hart Hall be chartered as its own college. In 1740 a charter was granted for the new Hertford College. After Newton died, however, the college declined, and it was dissolved in 1816.

The grounds of the college was taken over by Magdalen Hall. Magdalen Hall began as a grammar school associated with Magdalen College in 1480. Magdalen Hall moved to the site of the former Hertford College in 1822. It grew at the new site, and in 1874, Magdalen Hall was given a charter as Hertford College. The new name was chosen so that it would not be confused with Magdalen College, and because it was on the location of the former Hertford College.

Hertford College, Oxford Media

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  Coat of Arms of Hertford College Oxford

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  The drinking hart with motto as above the modern main gate of Hertford College

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  The Catte Street gate, before 1820

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  The Old Grammar Hall, Magdalen College, part of the original Magdalen Hall site

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  Entrance building, constructed for Magdalen Hall in the 1820s

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  North-west corner of the Old Quad of Hertford College, showing the spiral staircase to the Hall

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  Bridge of Sighs

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  Aerial photograph of Oxford with Hertford College marked: showing the 3 quads (Old Buildings, New Buildings and Holywell), the Chapel, Hall, Bridge and Octagon

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  South-east corner of the Old Quad of Hertford College, showing, from left to right, Dr Newton's Angle, T. G. Jackson's Chapel, and (partially obscured) the Library

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  The New Buildings Gatehouse and the Octagon as seen from inside the quad. The Clarendon Building can be seen in the background.