Oxford University - Harris Manchester College. Image courtesy of Wikipedia.

Harris Manchester College

Harris Manchester College is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford founded in 1757 as a college for Unitarian students.

Harris Manchester College is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford founded in 1757 as a college for Unitarian students.  It became a full college in 1996, when it changes its name to commemorate its predecessor the Manchester Academy and a benefaction by Lord Harris of Peckham.

What's the History of Harris Manchester College?

Harris Manchester College was originally called the Warrington Academy, which dated back to 1757 and was run by English Presbyterians. It was one of several dissenting academies that provided religious nonconformists with higher education. The college taught radical theology and modern subjects like science, modern languages, and history. Its most famous professor was John Dalton, developer of atomic theory.

The college changed its location five times before settling in Oxford in 1893 (Manchester, York, Manchester again, and London). 

Where is Harris Manchester College?

Harris Manchester College is located on Mansfield Road (OX1 3TD). Tel 01865 271006.

Harris Manchester College Coat of Arms
Arms: Gules two torches inflamed in saltire proper, on a chief argent, between two roses of the field barbed and seeded, an open book also proper.

Can you Visit Harris Manchester College?

Yes, Harris Manchester College is open to the public. 

  • Open: Chapel only open Mon-Fri 10.00-17.30, Sat 9.00-12.00.
  • Charge: Free, donations welcome.
  • Groups: Large parties must book in advance.

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