For The Curious…

UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD

NEW COLLEGE

New College is one of the largest and most architecturally striking colleges, with beautiful gardens and a variety of excellent facilities. Diana is a member of this college. Matthew was also once a member of this college.

HERTFORD BRIDGE – BRIDGE OF SIGHS

The vampire sat in the shadows on the curved expanse of the bridge that spanned New College Lane and connected two parts of Hertford College, his back resting against the worn stone of one of the college’s newer buildings and his feet propped up on the bridge’s roof.” ~ A Discovery of Witches, pg. 27

One of the bridges where Matthew Clairmont watched Diana Bishop in A Discovery of Witches.“I’ve been a member—once—of Merton, Magdalen, and University colleges. I’ve been a member of New College and Oriel twice each. And this is the first time All Souls has paid any attention to me.” ~ Matthew Clairmont, A Discovery of Witches, pg. 171

MERTON COLLEGE

Merton is one of the oldest and most beautiful colleges in Oxford with medieval and 17th-century buildings – including our 13th-century chapel – and glorious, extensive gardens protected by the city wall. Matthew was once a member here.

MAGDALEN COLLEGE

Magdalen (pronounced ‘Maudlen’) has some of the most beautiful buildings in Oxford, new as well as ancient. It is set in 100 acres of grounds which include the deer park and Addison’s riverside walk. Matthew was once a member here. 

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

Students from all sorts of backgrounds find Univ’s inclusive and friendly atmosphere enables them to pursue their academic interests to the highest level. Matthew was once a member here.

 “This time it was 1989.”“I came to Oriel as a science student and stayed on for a doctorate. When I won an All Souls Prize Fellowship, I switched over here for a few years.” ~ Matthew Clairmont, A Discovery of Witches, pg. 171 

ORIEL COLLEGE

Oriel College is a constituent college of the University of Oxford in Oxford, England. Located in Oriel Square, the college has the distinction of being the oldest royal foundation in Oxford. Matthew was a member of this college twice. 

ALL SOULS COLLEGE

The College is primarily an academic research institution with particular strengths in the humanities and social and theoretical sciences and an outstanding library. It also has strong ties to public life. Although its Fellows are involved in teaching and supervision of research, there are no undergraduate members. Matthew was a member of this college when he and Diana met.

Sources: A Discovery of Witches; University of OxfordBridge of Sighs in Oxford

VIDEO: Deborah Harkness Gives a Walking Tour of Oxford – A Discovery of Witches