Everything about Holywell Manor Oxford totally explained
Holywell Manor is the building currently housing the bulk of
Balliol College's post-graduate population. It is located on the corner of St. Cross Road and Manor Road, next to
St. Cross Church.
History
The oldest surviving part of the site is the
16th century farmhouse which now houses the Prefaectus's lodgings. It was acquired by Balliol in
1929, prior to which it had been a convent and home for unmarried mothers (though it was deserted by 1929). The purchase was planned by
Kenneth Norman Bell in order to provide accommodation for undergraduates and was funded by donations to
the Balliol Society which he'd founded expressly for this purpose.
The extensive extensions to the original manor were designed by the architect
George Kennedy. These include the road facing façade, the entrance courtyard and the grand
Queen Anne style wings surrounding the distinctive two rows of
Ginkgo trees planted by
C S Orwin.
The Manor opened in
1932 and remained a hostel for Balliol's undergraduates until the
1960s, except for during
the war when it was lent to
St. Hugh's. It then became a mixed graduate community shared with
St. Anne's college's female graduates. Finally in
1984, after Balliol had begun accepting women it took its current form as a residence just for Balliol's graduates.
The building was significantly extended in
1993 with the construction of the
James Fairfax Yard block off the manor's north wing.
Art
Kenneth Norman Bell was always closely involved with the British art world, and begun an association between Holywell and the arts which still continues. What is now one of the Manor's computer rooms is decorated with murals painted by
Gilbert Spencer, the brother of
Stanley Spencer, and the MCR houses many more contemporary works. In addition, the garden contains a fountain by
Peter Lyon and a wind sculpture by
George Rickey.
The MCR Community
The graduate community now housed by Holywell Manor is known as being one of the most vibrant in Oxford, with a strong international feel. The MCR runs a bar and organises regular social events. Much like Balliol's undergraduates, the graduates of Holywell Manor are known for being particularly politically active and the MCR is well represented in other Oxford organisations.
Famous Residents
- Bill Clinton stayed in South Wing Room 37 during his time in Oxford.
Facilities
The "Megaron" Bar - This is unusual amongst college bars both for being student run and for operating on an honesty basis.
The MCR - The common room is furnished with comfortable seating and is stocked with a fairly exhaustive set of newspapers and magazines. Wi-Fi access is also provided.
The laundry room
Computer rooms
TV Room
Gym
Music practice rooms - These are currently in construction in the basement area that previously housed the "Cockpit" dining hall.Further Information
Get more info on 'Holywell Manor Oxford'.
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