Whilst Keble College may frequently be referred to as ‘the ugly college’ of Oxford University, I think it’s merits are often terribly overlooked. Admittedly it may be the only red bricked college and that in itself has made it the target of much abuse but few realize that at the expense of the classic stone Keble has gained something that many of the other colleges lack – individuality. Keble is a very new college in the grand scheme of Oxford and due to lack of funding at it’s construction was severely curtailed from the original vision. The brickwork is made up of not only red but also blue and white bricks, a fact that was the basis for the ‘destroy Keble’ secret society. The society relied upon members covertly removing bricks from the buildings in the hope that one day nothing but the foundations would remain. If a potential activist removed a red brick then they were allowed to become a member, if it was a white brick then they entered higher up in the social ladder and if they managed to detach a blue brick then they were automatically promoted to chair. As you will notice on touring Keble this is all due to the frequency of the colours in the brickwork. The other notable detail about keble is the chapel; this houses the ‘light of the world’ painting which whilst i don’t know the full details is a much valued artwork. Keble is a college that has been extended over the decades, and has in some ways suffered and benefitted from it. The 1960s addition can be seen as somewhat of an eye-sore but it has provided the so-called ‘spaceship’ bar that is (in)famous throughout the university. If I have so far failed to convince you that Keble is worth a visit then mentioning the much coverted hall and quads can do little to rectify this. It may not be the most attractive college in Oxford but it definitely has the most character. -PW from Oxford

Parks Road
Oxford, OX1 3PG

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Type: Sights & Activities
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