What are the oldest colleges at Oxbridge?

The oldest colleges at Oxbridge are University College, Oxford and Peterhouse, Cambridge.

University College, Oxford, founded in 1249, is the oldest college at Oxbridge. It was established by William of Durham and initially named "The College of the Scholars of the University of Oxford." Over the centuries, it has played a significant role in the development of the university and has produced numerous notable alumni, including former British Prime Minister Clement Attlee and philosopher John Locke.

Peterhouse, Cambridge, founded in 1284, is the oldest college at the University of Cambridge. It was established by Hugh de Balsham, the Bishop of Ely, and was originally known as "The Scholars of the Bishop of Ely." Peterhouse has a rich history and has been home to many distinguished individuals, such as mathematician Sir Isaac Newton and poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

Both University College and Peterhouse have witnessed centuries of academic excellence and have contributed significantly to the intellectual and cultural heritage of Oxbridge. They have served as the foundation for the establishment of other colleges within the universities.

These colleges have unique architectural features that reflect their long history. University College, for example, boasts the Radcliffe Camera, a circular library designed by James Gibbs in the 18th century. Peterhouse, on the other hand, has the oldest surviving college chapel in Cambridge, dating back to the 13th century.

In conclusion, University College, Oxford and Peterhouse, Cambridge are the oldest colleges at Oxbridge. Their long-standing presence and contributions to academia make them an integral part of the prestigious universities they belong to.