All Souls College

All Souls College is the stuff of legends. Extremely rich, extremely academic and, some would say, extremely elitist. The Oxford students with the top finals exam results in certain disciplines are invited to apply, and anyone accepted automatically becomes a fellow. However, not all the fellows actually live in the college. This is a place for the top of the top of academics and is a small haven in the flurry of activity that is Oxford.

There’s not much chance of getting in through the impressive-looking gates, but in 2001 the once-a-century mallard ceremony saw photographs being published and well publicised. The fellows march around the college holding flaming torches and singing a song about a mallard. Definitely one of the quirkier Oxford traditions, and sadly one that not many of us are likely to see again in our lifetimes.

The most secretive college in Oxford, All Souls rarely opens it’s gates to tourists, though many can be seen peering in and taking photos from the gate facing Radcliffe Square. The lodge (main entrance) is on the High Street.

Entrance to All Souls is limited to graduates of certain disciplines and is by invitation only, applicants must go through a rigorous interview process, with ALL of the fellows of the college, followed by a written exam, including essay writing on abstract subjects.

The College of All Souls was founded by Henry VI and Henry Chichele and is a memorial to those that died in the 100 year war with France. This college is kinda weird because they don't take grads or undergrads. Just research fellows. Check out the Great Quad. Christopher Wren's sundial is perhaps the most famous thing about the college.

If you are a tourist in Oxford, All Souls should be on your list.