New College Lane

The western end of New College Lane, including the Bridge of Sighs.

Looking into the northern end of New College Lane at the point of its Catte Street origins.

From within the northern end of New College Lane, looking back towards the Bridge of Sighs.

Eastern end of New College Lane new the entrance to New College, with Oxford University undergraduates in academic dress.

New College Lane, just past the entrance to New College, looking south west towards All Souls College.

New College Lane is a historic street in central Oxford, England,^[1][2] named after New College, one of the older Oxford colleges, adjacent to the north.

At the northwestern end of New College Lane is a junction onto Catte Street, with the Sheldonian Theatre opposite. The main feature is the Bridge of Sighs, a covered bridge that connects two parts of Hertford College, completed in 1914. This attracts many tourists for the view.

Just beyond to the east on the north side of the lane is a terraced house that was occupied by Edmund Halley, after whom Halley's Comet is named. There is a plaque recording the fact. Also to the north is a small alley leading past some of the historic city wall to the Turf Tavern, a hidden but favourite public house for students and tourists.

The lane has several sharp bends following the boundaries of the surrounding colleges. In particular, there is a rear entrance to New College. The lane is largely surrounded by high stone walls with few windows. Some good examples of gargoyles can be seen, a feature of Oxford college architecture.

At the southeastern end, the lane becomes Queen's Lane, named after Queen's College to the south. There is a gate in the road at this point to prevent through-traffic.

In 2010, New College Lane was named Britain's fourth most picturesque street, as part of Google's Street View Awards.^[3]

Current residents include Labour Parliamentary candidate Emily Benn.

References

1. ^ Sherwood, Jennifer and Pevsner, Nikolaus (1974). The Buildings of England: Oxfordshire. Penguin Books. pp. 140, 141, 166, 172–173, 329. ISBN 0 14 071045 0. 
2. ^ Tyack, Geoffrey (1998). Oxford: An architectural guide. Oxford University Press. pp. 41, 42, 106, 275, 276. ISBN 0 14 071045 0. 
3. ^ "Announcing Winners of Google Street View Awards". http://www.google.co.uk/press/pressrel/20100308_beststreets.html. Retrieved 28 March 2010. 

External links

• Oxford Walks: Inner circuit — From Broad Street to Merton Street

Coordinates: 51°45′16″N 1°15′12″W / 51.75444°N 1.25333°W / 51.75444; -1.25333