Merton College, Chapel, Front Quadrangle

Merton College Chapel, located in the Front Quadrangle, dates back to 1485. The site originally housed the church of St John Baptist, which served as a chapel in 1274. The choir of the new chapel was constructed between 1290 and 1294 using Wheatley stone, with some materials sourced from Iffley and Cowley. It features notable stained glass from around 1300. The crossing was added between 1330 and 1335, and the south transept was completed in 1368, with its windows altered in the 15th century. The north transept was built from 1419 to 1425. A bell tower was constructed from 1448 to 1451 using Headington and Taynton stone, with mason Robert Jannyngs working until 1449. The west window is from the late 15th century. The chapel underwent restoration by Edward Blore from 1838 to 1843 and again by Butterfield in 1854. The entire structure was re-faced between 1970 and 1971.